New UK Snake Species Discovered
Discussion
A new type of snake has been discovered in the UK, bringing the total number of species to four.
Adder.
Smooth snake.
Common grass snake.
Barred grass snake (new).
Cool watching grass snakes hunt in ponds / lakes (often seen while fishing) -- like mini Loch Ness monsters.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-40853286
Adder.
Smooth snake.
Common grass snake.
Barred grass snake (new).
Cool watching grass snakes hunt in ponds / lakes (often seen while fishing) -- like mini Loch Ness monsters.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-40853286
Well yes and no, they've just decided to reclassify, not really as exciting - they haven't actually just discovered it!
This is based on mainland Europe research as well, not the UK.
It's never black and white with these sorts of classification, they seem to be relying on genetics and 'limited' hybridization - indicating a 'degree' of reproductive separation.
They are stretching things really, in the old days this would still be just considered a sub-species, as fertile hybridization is possible.
Smacks more of scientists looking for publicity than anything truly new.
This is based on mainland Europe research as well, not the UK.
It's never black and white with these sorts of classification, they seem to be relying on genetics and 'limited' hybridization - indicating a 'degree' of reproductive separation.
They are stretching things really, in the old days this would still be just considered a sub-species, as fertile hybridization is possible.
Smacks more of scientists looking for publicity than anything truly new.
nikaiyo2 said:
There is also a decent size population of Aesculapian Snakes (these are the snakes on that medical staff logo thing!) living on Regents Canal in London
Interesting.Apparently, there is also a small colony of aesculapian snakes in Conwy, North Wales.
Amazing how many exotic species now live in Britain in surprisingly large numbers, like wallabies, scorpions, etc.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2625003/Lo...
Mr GrimNasty said:
Well yes and no, they've just decided to reclassify, not really as exciting - they haven't actually just discovered it!
indeed, we have had the "new" breed of grass snake at the bottom of our garden for at least 15 years 
Often mistaken for adders although they are quite different if you are used to seeing both.
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