Barbados Threadsnake
The Barbados threadsnake, the world’s smallest-known snake, was rediscovered in 2025 after nearly two decades without a confirmed sighting. This tiny, elusive reptile had been feared extinct. Its rediscovery has renewed interest in the island’s unique biodiversity and the urgent need to protect endangered habitats.
About Barbados Threadsnake
- The Barbados threadsnake (Tetracheilostoma carlae) is a blind, burrowing snake.
- It feeds on termites and ants and lays a single slender egg.
- Fully grown, it measures only about 10 centimetres (four inches) long.
- Its small size allows it to fit comfortably on a coin, making it difficult to detect.
- The snake has pale yellow dorsal lines and eyes positioned on the sides of its head.
History and Identification
First scientifically identified in 2008 by S. Blair Hedges, a biology professor at Temple University, the snake was previously mistaken for a similar species, the Brahminy blind snake. The discovery came after genetic analysis confirmed it as a new species. Before this, only three specimens were known, held in museums in London and California. The species was named in honour of Hedges’ wife, Carla.
Challenges in Rediscovery
The snake’s cryptic nature and tiny size mean it can easily be overlooked. Scientists can search for hours without spotting one. Recently, after a year of searching, Connor Blades from Barbados’ Ministry of Environment finally found a specimen under a rock in a small forest. The snake’s wriggling made identification difficult even under a microscope. A still image helped confirm its identity.
Ecological Importance and Conservation
The rediscovery is for Barbados’ ecosystem. The threadsnake is an endemic species, meaning it is found only on this island. It plays a role in controlling termite and ant populations. Barbados has lost many endemic species due to habitat destruction, including the Barbados racer and skink. The island has one of the lowest amounts of original forest in the Caribbean. Protecting the threadsnake’s habitat could help conserve other native species and biodiversity.
Scientific and Public Impact
The rediscovery has raised awareness about lesser-known species and the importance of biodiversity. It marks the need for continued scientific surveys and habitat protection. Conservation groups like Re:wild are collaborating with local authorities to promote wildlife preservation. The threadsnake could become a flagship species for conservation efforts in Barbados and the wider Caribbean region.
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