Rediscovery of an elusive snake in Tobago

Snakes are often elusive animals. One can be walking along a forest trail and there could be one hiding in plain sight. The elusiveness of snakes, though, has resulted in some species not being observed for many years, sometimes even for decades. Observing elusive snakes in nature, can thus be rewarding and beneficial, not only for snake enthusiasts, but for the conservation of the species and biodiversity. An example of a snake that was recently rediscovered on the island of Tobago after going many years without being observed is the Hallowell's ground snake (Atractus fuliginosus). This small harmless snake (up to 30cm long) is a forest dwelling snake that lives in leaf litter. They feed on small soil invertebrates, making them important components of ecological food webs. A recent publication (reference below) documents updated records of this elusive snake on the island of Tobago (West Indies) over the past 7 years where records prior were scarce for more than a decade. Natural history notes on the species were documented based on these rare observations, and bioloigsts now know more about the snake. Perhaps this elusive snake is more common than we realise. Or worse, perhaps it is in danger of becoming extinct.

Hallowell's ground snake, Atractus fuliginosus. Photo by Renoir Auguste. || Reference: Murphy, J.C., Braswell, A.L., Weems, J., Auguste, R.J., Rivas, G.A., Rutherford, M.G., Schargel, W.E., and Jowers, M.J. 2021. The Rediscovery of Hallowell’s Ground Snake, Atractus fuliginosus, on Tobago with Notes on its Natural History. Herpetological Review 52(3): 488-492.