The late “Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin has been an inspiration to countless animal lovers over the years. And researchers R.S. Naveen, S.R. Chandramouli, and Zeeshan A. Mirza are no exception.
The trio just published a study about a newly discovered snake species they found on the Nicobar Archipelago, a biodiversity hotspot in the Bay of Bengal near mainland India.
The new species is a black, glossy snake that resides in an area UNESCO has categorized as a biosphere reserve, due to its vast diversity of species.
Categorized as a nonvenomous wolf snake — now classified as Lycodon irwini — the reptile can grow up to 3.3 feet long and is likely native to the Nicobar Archipelago.
“New species continue to be discovered, exemplified by Lycodon irwini, highlighting the ongoing progress in taxonomy and the incomplete understanding of herpetofaunal diversity and distribution in the region,” the study’s authors wrote in their study, which was published in “Evolutionary Systematics.”
The species was found in a moist, evergreen forest on Great Nicobar Island and likely eats other reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals. Since the scientists believe the species is limited to this region — at risk from human threats and habitat loss — they recommend the species be classified as Endangered by the IUCN.
It’s a fitting discovery for a group of researchers inspired by the conservation work of Steve Irwin. The beloved animal whisperer was a cultural icon in the 1990s and early 2000s due to his show, “The Crocodile Hunter,” in which he showcased his lifelong love of reptiles and other animals.
His parents were the founders of the Queensland Reptile and Fauna Park in Australia, which was later renamed the Australia Zoo. In 1991, Irwin took over management of the zoo with his wife and fellow naturalist, Terri. After his tragic death in 2006, Terri and their children, Bindi and Robert, have carried on his legacy of loving and protecting wildlife.
“His passion and dedication to wildlife education and conservation have inspired naturalists and conservationists worldwide, including the authors of the paper,” the researchers wrote in their study.
The newly-discovered snake, L. irwini is not the first species to be named after Irwin — and likely won’t be the last.
Australia is home to at least three species named after the icon, including a turtle, a koala blood parasite, and a small snail.
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Header images courtesy of Australia Zoo and Girish Choure
