A vine snake killed by a hiker was actually the first-of-its-kind sighting of the species in Bolivia, a new study has found.
Scientists were searching for hard-to-find reptiles in La Paz in 2015 when a local guide severed the snake.
According to a study published in the international peer-reviewed journal Herpetozoa on July 10, researchers discovered the carcass and determined it was the first record of an Oxybelis inkaterra – vine snake – in the country.
The four-foot long predator was ‘accidentally severed’ when hikers were clearing trails near a camp and scared the snake.
‘This particular individual, feeling threatened, remained motionless, mimicking one of the branches of the shrub it was on,’ the study said.
A vine snake (pictured) was killed by a hiker in La Paz and turned out to be the first of its kind discovered in Bolivia
‘Unfortunately, this behavior caused it to go unnoticed by the guide, resulting in the unfortunate accident.’
Photos show the brown and cream snake with black spotting wrapped around a branch.
Researchers said vine snakes are ‘are quite cryptic, due to their coloration, elongated head, and attenuated slender bodies and long tail.’
Their prey includes an array of small vertebrates, including lizards, birds, amphibians and mammals.
Vine snakes are difficult to observe and capture during the day because of their ability to mimic nature, according to the study.
While vine snakes are distributed in the Amazonian forests, Yungas, and riparian forests of the floodplains of Bolivia, very little is known about their history in the country.
The study confirmed two additional sightings in Bolivia, one in 2005 and another with unknown date and location information.
Researchers also captured information on two species of sharpnose snakes in the region.
