Overview
- The species, Lycodon irwini, is formally described in an open-access paper published November 7 in Evolutionary Systematics by researchers from Pondicherry University, the Max Planck Institute for Biology, and collaborators.
- Adults are glossy black, about one meter long, nonvenomous wolf snakes with enlarged front teeth that likely feed on small reptiles, amphibians, and mammals.
- The snake is currently known only from Great Nicobar Island, with four records to date—including three specimens examined in the study—suggesting it is uncommon and confined to moist evergreen forest.
- Authors report the species was previously misidentified, and they recommend it be assessed as Endangered given its narrow distribution and human pressures.
- The finding highlights the Nicobar archipelago’s under-studied biodiversity; Great Nicobar has been part of UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves since 2003.