A newly discovered snake in the jungle has been named after Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash by scientists at the Field Museum in Chicago. The snake, officially known as Slash’s groundsnake, measures approximately 71 centimeters and has a reddish-brown coloration. Slash, known for his love of reptiles, expressed his honor at having the snake named after him.
Sara Ruane, the Field Museum’s associate curator of herpetology, shared that her interest in reptiles began at a young age. After seeing Slash featured in a magazine holding a python, she had the idea of naming a snake after him. Years later, when she had the opportunity to name a newly discovered species, she remembered her inspiration and named the snake after Slash.
Slash’s groundsnake was first discovered in 2006 in New Guinea by Chris Austin, a professor of herpetology. The island, known for its rich biodiversity, remains a challenging environment for researchers due to the presence of venomous snakes and the elusive nature of groundsnakes. Genetic testing confirmed that the newly named species, Lielaphis slashi, is distinct from others in its genus.
Conservationists warn that the habitat of Slash’s groundsnake is under threat from human activities such as coffee farming and mining. Naming the snake after Slash not only pays tribute to the rock star but also serves to raise awareness about the importance of preserving the ecosystem where the species resides.
Despite its association with the rock legend, Slash’s groundsnake poses no threat to humans. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect this species and the delicate ecosystem it inhabits.