Broadley

• However, recent advances in DNA extraction techniques mean that biologists can study the genetic code of old museum specimens, which include extremely rare or even recently extinct species.
• We harnessed this new technology to study a snake from the Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe that was run over in 1982, and discovered it was a new species.
• This snake had unusual markings with red skin between its scales, creating the effect of black dots on a red background when its hood is extended.

A rare find

• A handful of specimens were observed and measured in later years, but the landscape has been drastically altered by forestry.
• The rinkhals from Zimbabwe has not been seen in the wild since 1988 and is feared to be extinct.
• This population lives 700km away from other, more southerly populations, which made us suspect it may be a separate species.

New technology

• Our study showed they represent a long-isolated population, highly distinct from the southern rinkhals populations.
• Based on their genetic divergence from the other rinkhals, we estimate that the snakes in Zimbabwe diverged from their southern relatives 7-14 million years ago.
• Hemachatus nyangensis has fangs modified to spit venom, although the behaviour was not reported from the few recorded interactions with humans.

A connection between human and snake evolution

• Similarly, the venom spitting in Asian cobras is thought to have emerged around 2.5 million years ago, which is around the time the extinct human species Homo erectus would have become a threat to those species.
• Our study of Nyanga rinkhals suggests that the third time venom spitting evolved independently in snakes may also have coincided with the origin of upright-walking hominins.
• Technological advances may be giving us incredible insights into ancient animal lineages but they can’t make up for an extinction.
• The possible relationship between venom spitting and our early ancestors is a reminder that we are part of the Earth’s ecosystem.