02 - The Search for the Crimson Lancehead -

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21st of January in year 2025, Kevin Higgins, Rance Gilmore and Sandra Diaz arrived in Bolivia by airport for their expedition to find new species of snakes, the trio focus on finding a new species of pit viper called the Crimson Lancehead (Bothrops richardsoni), they will be joined by Spanish herpelogist Juan Tieros (27) and a local herper from Bolivia named Marco Cascaverja (26) as they explored the Madidi National Forest which is located in upper Amazon River Basin in Bolivia. The four exploring the forests of Madidi National Forest, then Marco spotted a snake.

"Snake!" Marco said.

The other three takes a closer look.

A new species of pit viper called Madidi Green Lancehead (Bothrops madidiensis)coiling on the tree branch, a new species of lancehead pit viper which is endemic to Bolivia. There are two recognized subspecies of Madidi Green Lancehead: the Bolivian Green Lancehead (Bothrops madidiensis), is only found in Bolivia, the Isaac's Lancehead (Bothrops  madidiensis isaaci) is found in southeastern Bolivia and northwestern Paraguay.

"Check this out. Madidi Green Lancehead (Bothrops madidiensis)." Juan said.

"Wow, it's a dark greenish snake with yellow and mint green blotches." Sandra said.

"That would be beautiful snake." Kevin said,

The team carefully document and taking several photos of  the Madidi Green Lancehead and then they left the snake alone undisturbed. They continued searching for the elusive Crimson Lancehead, then they stumbled on a new species of False Coral Snake crawling on the forest floor, the Rainforest False Coral Snake (Erytholamprus tetrazonus tetrazonus), it has four newly recognized subspecies: Bolivian Rainforest False Coral Snake (Erytholamprus tetrazonus tetrazonus), which is found only in Bolivia, Manuel's Rainforest False Coral Snake (Erytholamprus tetrazonus manueli) is found in Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia, Yellow-bellied Rainforest  False Coral Snake (Erytholamprus tetrazonus paraguayensis) is found in Paraguay and Brazil, and finaly Moreira's Rainforest False Coral Snake (Erytholamprus tetrazonus moreirani) is found in Brazil, Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana. The team takes a closer look at the blackish snake with orange and white broad bands.

"A new species of False Coral Snake, the Rainforest False Coral Snake. Mildly venomous." Juan said.

"a rear-fanged species, this is still a beautiful snake due to its broad bands." Kevin said.

"They're very common here in the forests of Bolivia." Marco said.

"Now that will be added to our data research." Sandra said.

"Good thing it's just a harmless mildly venomous snake." Rance said.

"Most of the mildly venomous rear-fanged colubrids are harmless." Juan said. "No need to worry about."


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