A serpent resurrected: Rediscovery of Cope’s Rough-sided snake 

By Ifham Nizam

For nearly a century, the Cope’s Rough-sided Snake (Aspidura copei) seemed to have vanished from the face of the earth. Last seen in the early 20th century, this elusive reptile was feared extinct, a casualty of habitat loss and human encroachment. However, a recent discovery has brought hope to conservationists and herpetologists alike.

The rediscovery of A. copei is a significant milestone in the field of herpetology. This species is one of the rarest members of its genus, with a narrow distribution and limited sightings. Its unique physical characteristics, including its distinctive coloration and keeled scales, make it a fascinating subject of study.

The researchers found that A. copei prefers habitats with dense canopy cover and cooler temperatures. They also observed that the species is threatened by habitat loss, deforestation, and human activities.

The scientific research team comprises of Anusha Atthanagoda of Ministry of Public Administration, Sajith Kumara of Kumbukawaththa, Gonapala, Dr. Anslem de Silva of the Amphibia and Reptile Research Organization, Buddhika Madurapperuma of the Department of Botany, The Open University of Sri Lanka, Majintha Madawala of the Victorian Herpetological Society, Australia and Suranjan Karunarathna of the Nature Explorations & Education Team.

Karunarathna, a member of the research team, shared with The Island that while the genus Aspidura includes nine species, A. copei stands out as one of the rarest. “Species-level molecular phylogenetic analyses have confirmed that all species within this genus are distinct,” said Karunarathna. However, he added: “A. copei has the narrowest distribution and is known from just 10 localities in the island’s submontane forests.”

Aspidura copei from Haldummulla, Sri Lanka (note dark blotches on the dorsum). Photos by Anusha Atthanagoda

Close-up images of the head of Aspidura copei Photos by Anusha Atthanagoda

 A Rare Jewel of Sri Lanka’s Forests

First described in 1864 by Albert Günther, A. copei has remained largely a mystery. The original specimen, held at London’s Natural History Museum, lacked precise location data, but over the years, researchers have managed to identify several other specimens in international museum collections. “Despite extensive research, the snake remains elusive and difficult to study in its natural habitat.”

What makes A. copei particularly fascinating is its adaptability to a burrowing lifestyle. With a pointed snout and subcylindrical body, this snake thrives in dense, humid forests where it hunts for earthworms and small insects. Unlike its more widely distributed relatives, A. copei seems to be tied to the moist, high-elevation habitats of Sri Lanka’s central wet zone.

 According to the MaxEnt Model predictions, the species is best suited to the tropical submontane and montane forests of South Central Sri Lanka. This fragile ecosystem, rich in biodiversity, is one of the last refuges for many of the island’s endemic species.

Habitat Loss and Fragmentation

However, these forests are under severe threat. The expansion of tea plantations, coupled with human settlements, has led to significant habitat degradation, fragmentation, and loss. “We observed many threats during our study, from tea land expansion to the development of human settlements,” said Karunarathna.

The researchers fear that these pressures could push A. copei and other species to the brink of extinction. Already confined to a few isolated localities, any further encroachment on its habitat could have devastating consequences.

 Guardians of the Ecosystem

The genus Aspidura, commonly known as rough-sided snakes due to the keeled scales along their bodies, represents an ancient lineage within the snake subfamily Natricinae. These snakes, while small and often overlooked, play an essential role in maintaining the health of forest ecosystems. They help control insect populations and contribute to the overall balance of the food web.

Their diminutive size—ranging from 150 to 700 mm—belies their ecological importance. “They are often found in areas with humus-rich soil and moist conditions, even in the lowlands,” said Dr. Anslem de Silva, one of the study’s co-authors. “But they seem to thrive in the wet montane zones, which are increasingly under threat.”

Species like A. copei act as indicator species, meaning their health reflects the state of their environment. A decline in their population could signal broader ecological issues, such as declining forest health or increasing environmental degradation.

Map 1:The current distribution of Aspidura copeiin Sri Lanka, (A). Avissawella, (B). Balangoda, (C). Dickoya, (D). Dimbulla, (E). Gongala, (F). Haldummulla, (G). Loolkandura, (H). Pundaluoya, (I). Sripadha, and (J). Suriyakanda in the left side, and MaxEnt-predicted potential suitable habitats for the Species in Sri Lanka in the right side. Map 2: Response curves (red line) and their standard deviations (blue shade) showing the effects of (A) elevation, (B) precipitation of the warmest quarter (bio18), (C) temperature seasonality (bio14), (D) precipitation seasonality (bio15), (E) Max temperature of warmest month (bio5), and (F) mean temperature of driest quarter (bio9) on the predicted habitat suitability for Aspidura copeiin Sri Lanka.

Sajith

Conservation Urgency

With Sri Lanka’s wet and montane forests under continuous threat, the conservation of species like Aspidura copei has never been more critical. Protecting their habitat would not only safeguard this unique snake but also ensure the preservation of a rich biodiversity that depends on these forests.

The research team hopes that their findings will raise awareness about the plight of this rare species. They are calling for immediate conservation action, including the protection of remaining forest patches and the implementation of sustainable land-use practices.

As Sri Lanka grapples with balancing development and conservation, the fate of species like A. copei hangs in the balance. For now, this elusive snake remains hidden in the shadows of the Sri Lanka’s last remaining forests, a silent reminder of the fragility of the natural world.

Conservation Efforts

The rediscovery of the Cope’s Rough-sided Snake highlights the importance of conservation efforts in Sri Lanka. Protecting the country’s remaining forests is crucial for the survival of this and other endangered species.

The researchers are calling for the establishment of conservation initiatives to safeguard the habitats of A. copei. They also emphasise the need for public awareness campaigns to educate people about the importance of protecting reptiles and their ecosystems.

The rediscovery of the Cope’s Rough-sided Snake is a testament to the resilience of nature. It serves as a reminder that even the most elusive species can be brought back from the brink of extinction with concerted conservation efforts.