A liana snake killed by a hiker was actually the first sighting of this species in Bolivia, according to a new study.
In 2015, scientists were searching for the hard-to-find reptile in La Paz when a local guide cut open the snake.
According to a study published in the international peer-reviewed journal Herpetozoa On July 10, researchers discovered the carcass and determined that it was the first record of an Oxybelis inkaterra (vine snake) in the country.
The four-foot-long predator was ‘accidentally cut down’ when hikers were clearing trails near a campsite and startled the snake.
“This particular individual, feeling threatened, remained motionless, mimicking one of the branches of the bush it was standing on,” the study notes.
A liana 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 behaviour caused the guide to go unnoticed, which led to the unfortunate accident.”
The photos show the brown and cream snake with black spots wrapped around a branch.
Researchers said vine snakes are “quite cryptic, due to their coloration, elongated head, thin, attenuated bodies and long tail.”
Their prey includes a variety 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, the study said.
Although liana snakes are distributed in the Amazonian forests, Yungas and riverine forests of the alluvial plains 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 sharp-nosed snakes in the region.
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