Rarest Snakes in the World: Snakes induce primordial fear in many individuals and are frequently their most crippling phobia. However, although 600 out of 3,000 species are poisonous, only seven per cent are capable of killing or severely injuring humans.
Despite their formidable character, these reptiles are remarkable in their adaptability and uniqueness. As cold-blooded animals that require heat for temperature regulation, they can extend out their rib cages and broaden their bodies during the winter.
Unfortunately, climate change threatens the survival of snakes by jeopardising their habitat. This would lead to the extinction of already endangered species and disrupt the food chain. Here are the top 10 Rarest Snakes in the World.
Jump Over Things Day 2023: Date, History, Facts, Activities
Top 10 Rarest Snakes in the World:
1. Antiguan Racer
Long ago, the Antiguan racer was regarded as the world’s rarest reptile. Thankfully, it is no longer classified as such, but it remains critically endangered. After the introduction of the Asian mongoose, black rats, and brown rats, the serpent became imperilled. Together, these predators and human habitation drove them to the verge of extinction. Although they were once believed to be extinct, a population emerged on Great Bird Island off the shore of Antigua.
The population once dipped below 150, but enormous conservation efforts have resulted in a slight rebound and a population that is now relatively stable. They continue to be classified as critically endangered.
2. St. Lucian Racer
Although the St. Lucian racer experienced the same tragedy as the Antiguan racer, it has not fully recovered like its Caribbean cousin. The St. Lucian racer is the world’s rarest snake, with an estimated 18 individuals remaining in the wild. When Asian mongooses and black rats arrived on the island, they decimated large serpent populations and ate their eggs.
After being thought to have become extinct in 1936, the St. Lucian racer resurfaced on the island of Maria Major in 1973. This native snake is currently the focus of conservation efforts across the island, as people plan to preserve it.
3. Trang Blind Snake and Roxane’s Blind Snake
There are numerous blind snake species, all of which are small and simple to overlook. The majority of blind snakes burrow underground and rarely emerge. Due to their underground habits and diminutive size, they are among the most difficult snakes to track.
The Trang blind snake and the Roxane blind snake are two species that remain extremely uncommon. Both species are so uncommon that they have never been seen again since their discovery. It is difficult to know how numerous they are or where they exist outside of Thailand due to how difficult it is to locate them.
4. Striped Blind Snake
Striped blind snakes really rare, so not much is known about them. They are diminutive snakes that burrow underground, making them difficult to locate. Up to 1400 metres above sea level, they discovered it in the foliage of forests and under rocks. The largest-ever specimen of striped blind snakes was only 48 cm in length. Their eyes are almost indistinguishable because the epidermis totally conceals them. As well as 10 pairs of alternating dark and light stripes.
A deceased member of the striped blind snake surfaced in Singapore’s Bukit Timah Nature Reserve 172 years after the species seemed to have disappeared. The existence of this species of serpent officially proven in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and southern Thailand. They pose no threat to humans.
5. Orlov’s Viper
Orlov’s viper contradicts our preconceived notion that Russia is not a habitat for snakes. The historical range of this venomous viper extended into the Caucasus from the Black Sea region of Russia. Due to their limited habitat and vulnerability to human poaching, less than 250 individuals seem to still be living in the wild.
The complete territory of the Orlov’s viper is only 38 square miles in size.
6. Aruban Rattlesnake
As its name suggests, the Aruban rattlesnake is native to the Caribbean island of Aruba. The semi-arid climate of Aruba contains pockets of a rocky desert from the coast to the centre of the island. Given the small size of the snake’s habitat (only 9.5 square miles) and the impending threat of human encroachment. It is not surprising that there are likely fewer than 230 Aruban rattlesnakes in the wild and 100 in captivity.
The arrival of goats and the growing human population are their main threats. That damage the vegetation necessary for the snakes’ prey.
7. Albany Adder
There are only two documented populations of these snakes, also known as Sahul reed snakes. The Ashmore reef snake is occasionally thought to be a separate subspecies from the coastal population, which, if accurate, would mean that it is very likely to go extinct.
Only in 2016 were the remains of a deceased Albany adder discovered at a roadkill site, proving the existence of the species. They are extremely rare, though, and it is doubtful that we will see them anytime soon.
8. The Short-Nosed Sea Snake
The short-nosed sea serpent inhabits the reefs of the Arafura Sea, which is located between Australia and Western New Guinea. There are only two stated populations of these snakes, also known as Sahul reed snakes. The Ashmore reef snake is occasionally thought to be a distinct subspecies from the coastal population, which, if accurate, would indicate that it is very likely to go extinct.
A sighting in 2021 verified the existence of previously thought-to-be-extinct short-nosed sea snakes in the Ashmore reef population.
9. Santa Catalina Island Rattlesnake
This venomous snake’s lack of vibration is its most distinctive characteristic. According to scientists, the Island Rattlesnake had to adapt to its environment and become more effective at capturing birds, resulting in the degeneration of its tail.
Since its habitat shrunk to less than 100 square kilometres and feral cats arrived in 2007, this slender serpent categorised as critically endangered. Consider the world’s rarest Snakes in the World.
10. Wagner’s Viper
The Wagner’s viper is a venomous snake belonging to the family Viperidae that inhabits northwestern Iran and eastern Turkey. German scientist Moritz Wagner found it in 1846, but not believed to exist until 1986.
In 2009, these snakes became critically endangered as a result of European collectors chasing them after two Swedish biologists discovered their location.
