(ORDO NEWS) — Scientists have discovered a new species of pygmy boa constrictor in the Ecuadorian Amazon.
The unknown snake was named Tropidophis cacuangoae. According to representatives of the Ministry of the Environment of Ecuador, the second part of the name is dedicated to Dolores Cakuango, an activist who defended the rights of indigenous Ecuadorian peoples in the 30-60s of the XX century.
Two specimens of the new species were found in the Kolonso Chalupa National Reserve and in the Sumac Causai Private Park.
The length of the snake is about 20 centimeters, and in terms of skin color, the pygmy boa constrictor resembles ordinary boas.
The animals are unusual in that they have the “rudimentary pelvis” characteristic of primitive snakes. Some experts believe this is evidence that snakes evolved from lizards that lost limbs over millions of years.
Scientists said that now the number of known species of the genus Tropidophis (earth boas), endemic to South America, has reached six.
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