New Green Palm Pitviper Discovered in Honduras
Posted on May 14, 2013
A new species of green palm pitviper of the genus Bothriechis has been found in a cloud forest reserve in northern Honduras. The new species, Bothriechis guifarroi, had been previously confused with other Honduran palm pitvipers. Genetic analysis revealed that the closest relatives of the new species are found over 600 km to the south, in the mountains of Costa Rica. The study was published here in Zookeys.
The new species was discovered by scientists during expeditions in 2010 aimed at studying the fauna of Texiguat Wildlife Refuge. The new species was named in honor of Mario Guifarro of Olancho. Guifarro was a former hunter and gold miner who became an outspoken conservationist when he saw the vast rainforests in eastern Honduras being destroyed and converted to cattle ranches.
Dr. Josiah Townsend, lead author of the study from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, said in a statement, "The description of Bothriechis guifarroi has important implications for Central American biogeography as well as conservation. We recommend that B. guifarroi be immediately classified as Critically Endangered due to its limited known area of occurrence and the potential for anthropogenic damage to its habitat. We also consider that this species warrants immediate consideration for protection under CITES, given its striking appearance and high potential for exploitation in the pet trade."
