2025 for January 1970

Researchers recently confirmed the discovery of Lycodon irwini, a glossy black wolf snake, on Great Nicobar Island.

It is a new species of snake.
It was discovered on the remote Great Nicobar Island at the southern tip of the Nicobar Islands.
The snake, which is a member of the Lycodon subcinctus group, was named in honour of the late Australian conservationist and television personality, Stephen Robert Irwin.
It is a striking glossy-black wolf snake that had remained unidentified for years because it closely resembles another widespread species.
The new research finally confirms that the Great Nicobar population represents a distinct species currently known only from the island.
One of the most notable features of Lycodon irwini is its uniform glossy black colour, unlike close relatives that typically have white bands or patches.
The snake is slender, nocturnal, and can grow close to 1.2 metres in length.
The researchers also documented a higher number of belly and tail scales compared to similar species.

Source: RM

Lycodon irwini FAQs

Q1: What is Lycodon irwini?

Ans: It is a new species of snake.

Q2: Where was Lycodon irwini discovered?

Ans: It was discovered on the remote Great Nicobar Island at the southern tip of the Nicobar Islands.

Q3: What is a distinguishing feature of Lycodon irwini?

Ans: Uniform glossy black colour