Scientists overturned hundreds of rocks in Barbados and found the world's smallest snake
Scientists in Barbados have rediscovered the world's smallest snake, the Barbados threadsnake, after a two-decade absence of confirmed sightings. The discovery occurred during an ecological survey where researchers searched under hundreds of rocks to find the elusive reptile.
Why it matters
The rediscovery of a species thought to be lost to science provides a critical opportunity for conservationists to study and protect its shrinking habitat.
After nearly 20 years without a confirmed sighting, scientists in Barbados have finally rediscovered the world’s smallest-known snake. According to the Associated Press, the tiny Barbados threadsnake was found beneath a rock during an ecological survey in central Barbados, bringing an end to a search that had seen researchers turn over hundreds of rocks in the hope of finding the elusive reptile. Measuring just 3 to 4 inches (9 to 10 centimetres) when fully grown, the snake is small enough to escape notice and spends much of its time hidden underground.
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