A snake so small it could be mistaken for a worm has reappeared. It was spotted in Barbados recently. Scientists thought this tiny creature had been “lost” for nearly two decades. The Barbados threadsnake (Tetracheilostoma carlae) made its re-entry.
Researchers found it hiding under a rock. This happened during an ecological survey in central Barbados. The Barbados Ministry of the Environment and Re:wild conducted the survey. This discovery marks a significant moment for conservation.
THE ELUSIVE MICRO-SNAKE
“Barbados threadsnakes are blind snakes,” explained Connor Blades. He is a project officer with the Ministry of Environment. “Therefore, they are very cryptic.” These tiny reptiles are quite rare, it seems. Only a handful of confirmed sightings exist since 1889. “Not many people have ever seen it, unfortunately,” Blades added.
This threadsnake measures just three to four inches long. That is eight to 10 centimeters when fully grown. It is tiny enough to fit almost entirely on a US quarter coin. The Barbados threadsnake is truly the world’s smallest snake species. Orange stripes distinguish it along its back. It possesses eyes on the sides of its head. A small scale also sits on its snout.
A THRILLING BREAKTHROUGH
“When you search for something endlessly, you are shocked,” said Justin Springer of Re:wild. He made the discovery with Blades. “You cannot believe it. That is how I felt.” Springer admitted he tried to keep his hopes low.
The breakthrough followed over a year of dedicated searching. The pair upturned rocks beneath a tree root. They found the tiny snake alongside an earthworm. Scientists carefully examined the snake. This happened under a microscope at the University of West Indies. It closely resembles the Brahminy blind snake. This is an invasive species, so validation was crucial. After examination, they returned the snake to its forest home.
A CALL FOR FOREST PROTECTION
Only two percent of Barbados’ primary forest remains intact. The rest was cleared for agriculture. This began with the colonial era 400 years ago. The Barbados threadsnake faces particular vulnerability. It reproduces sexually, for example. Females lay a clutch of only one egg. In contrast, female Brahminy blind snakes can produce fertile eggs without mating. This gives them an advantage.
“The threadsnake’s rediscovery is also a call to us all,” Springer emphasized. “As Barbadians, our forests are very special.” He stressed their urgent need for protection. “Not just for the threadsnake,” he added, “but for other species as well. For plants, animals, and our heritage.” This tiny snake serves as a powerful symbol. It highlights the critical need for preserving Barbados’ remaining natural treasures.
