The fiery beauty of the burrowing snake has only 3 individuals left

Described in a study published in the journal Zoosystematics and Evolution as a non-venomous member of the genus Phalotris, the species has been named Phalotris shawnella. Up to now, this species has only been discovered in two only places in the Republic of South America.

This snake is critically endangered and in danger of extinction.

Because only three individuals have been found so far, in two areas in the province of San Pedro, eastern Paraguay, the authors believe they are critically endangered and in danger of extinction if left untreated. .

The genus Phalotris has at least 15 species of snakes distributed in the vast savanna ecoregion of the Cerrado extending from Brazil to Paraguay.

Researcher Jean-Paul Brouard discovered one of the first three individuals by chance, while he was digging a hole in Rancho Laguna Blanca National Park, Paraguay in 2014. Phalotris shawnella spent most of his time. spend their lives digging and hunting beneath the ground. 

Brouard once wrote in a publication of his discovery that the snake, unlike its relatives, had a red head combined with a yellow band around its neck. It is followed by a black stripe on the body mixed with orange scales with black spots on the abdomen.

Phalotris shawnella spends most of her life digging and hunting beneath the ground.

Until now, this snake has only been seen in the reptile and amphibian sanctuaries Laguna Blanca and Colonia Volendam, about 90 km apart.

Of the 3 individuals, only one is being captured, the other two have escaped after being photographed for research.

The team said: "Laguna Blanca has been designated a Nature Reserve for a period of five years, but there are currently no safeguards in place. Conservation at this site should be upgraded to mandate national conservation'.

Famous for its sandy soils, the Cerrado region in Paraguay is being exploited for agriculture and livestock production at a rapid rate, endangering the ecosystem here.