Interior blind snake

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Interior blind snake
Anilios endoterus.jpg
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Typhlopidae
Genus: Anilios
Species:
A. endoterus
Binomial name
Anilios endoterus
(Waite, 1918)
Interior blind snake distribution.jpg
Occurrence data for A. endoterus
Synonyms
  • Typhlops endoterus
  • Typhlops leonhardii
  • Ramphotyphlops endoterus
  • Typhlina endotera
  • Austrotyphlops endoterus

Anilios endoterus is commonly known as the interior blind snake. It is one of 42 species of snake in the genus Anilios (Ramphotyphlops) from the Typhlopidae family living in Australia. [2] [3] [4] [5] These snakes appear to be blind, having vestigial eyes that are extremely sensitive to light [5] . It is a cryptic burrowing snake that lives in tunnels underground, living mainly on a diet of ants. [5] They are found in arid and semi-arid desert regions of central Australia [6] and are considered endangered in New South Wales (NSW). [7]

Contents

Description

Anilios endoterus is a terrestrial subterranean species of burrowing snake that has a worm-like appearance. [6] Like many other snakes in the Typhlopidae family, the eyes of the interior blind snake are vestigial and appear like small, dark eye-spots under the scales of their head [6] and are mainly used to detect light. [8]

The dorsal side is brown or reddish-brown with a paler coloured snout, and its underbelly has a white or creamish appearance. [6] [9] The body is covered in smooth, tight-fitting shiny scales that are similar in size and are thick to help protect them from the stings and bites from ants. [6] [10] The tail is typically short with a small spur at the end that helps with anchorage and to push itself forward in the soil and tunnels underground. [10] These snakes are moderately slender and uniform in thickness that grow to an average of 25 cm to a maximum of approximately 40 cm. [6]

They are distinguishable from the 22 scales around the middle of the body, and they have between 406 and 438 ventral (belly) scales. [11] the snout is weakly trilobed from above and bluntly angular in profile, [11] [6] [5] and its mouth is small and is beneath the overhanging snout. [9] The nasal clefts also extend from preocular scale to nostril, or to rostral scale. [11] [5]

Vestigial eyes that are sensitive to light. Vestigial eyes.jpg
Vestigial eyes that are sensitive to light.

Ecological studies

The genus Anilios is recognized as the most diverse and species rich genus in the Typhlopidae family, and the most abundant genus of Australian snakes. [12] However, blind snakes in general, remain poorly studied and understood in Australia. [5] Detecting and observing the interior blind snake in the wild is challenging for scientists. [13] Their cryptic nature, low densities, similar appearance to other species within the genus, [13] [5] and the fact that this snake spends most of its time underground, have all led to this species remaining one of the most elusive vertebrates in the world. [13]

Studies in behaviour and basic biological functions, such as courtship and mating, have still not been comprehensively documented. [5] Consequently, assumptions about this species is based on the observations of others within the genus. [5] For example, females in this genus tend to be much longer and thicker than the males. [5] We also know that this species has nocturnal habits, as it is extremely sensitive to light, and they are mostly seen above ground at night foraging for food. [14] [5] They have also been observed on the surface at night after heavy rain. [5]

Interior blind snake can often be seen on the surface after heavy rain. Rain snake.jpg
Interior blind snake can often be seen on the surface after heavy rain.

Taxonomy

A description of the Anilios endoterus first appears as Typhlops endoterus in a paper published by Edgar Ravenswood Waite in 1918, titled Review of the Australian blind snakes (family Typhlopidae). [15] [16] According to the paper, three specimens from Hermannsburg in Central Australia were sent to the South Australian Museum for identification.

A paper published by Hedges et al., 2014, titled: A taxonomic framework for Typhlopid snakes from the Caribbean and other regions (Reptilia, Squamata), refers to the interior blind snake as Anilios endoterus [17] , which has now become a widely accepted genus and scientific name for this species.

This species has several synonyms:

Distribution

The aptly named interior blind snake is mostly found living in the central areas of the continent in arid and semi-arid regions. They are located in Western Australia, the Northern Territory, South Australia, Queensland, and New South Wales. [6]

Conservation status

Anilios endoterus was not known to exist in NSW until herpetological surveys were undertaken at Mutawintji National Park in October 1994, January 1995, April 1995, October 1995, and November 1996. [14] Small numbers have also been discovered living in Sturt National Park, [14] Pooncarie, and in Toorale National Park. [7]

It has been estimated that less than 10% of the total national population live in NSW. [7]

On the 8th August 1997, this snake was officially gazetted as an endangered species in NSW. [7]


Strategies for conservation

The interior blind snake has been assigned to the NSW Saving or Species (SoS) program. This program involves volunteers, scientists, businesses, community groups, and the NSW Government to work together with the objective of helping protect and conserve Australia's flora and fauna in the wild. [18]

The Office of Environment & Heritage lists eight activities to help secure the future of the interior blind snake in NSW: [19]

Threats

General threats to the interior blind snake include: feral predators, such as cats; [20] inappropriate fire regimes; habitat degradation and modification. [21]

In New South Wales, the blind snake is threatened by habitat changes associated with overgrazing and soil compaction from feral goats and livestock. [7] Additionally, these small populations are prone to genetic drift (a loss of genetic variation) due to reduced numbers found in this region. [7] These isolated population are also more susceptible to a catastrophic event. [7]

Habitat

Generally, blind snakes can be found living underground in burrows in termite nests, and in loose soil under rocks, logs, and leaf litter. [5] The interior blind snake is mostly found in arid and semi-environments, preferring sandy areas within grassland, shrubland, and spinifex communities. [6] [9] [5]

Reproduction

The interior blind snake is oviparous. Clutches of between 1 and 34 eggs, with an average of 13, have been recorded for Australian blind snakes. [22]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Typhlopidae</span> Family of snakes

The Typhlopidae are a family of blind snakes. They are found mostly in the tropical regions of Africa, Asia, the Americas, and all mainland Australia and various islands. The rostral scale overhangs the mouth to form a shovel-like burrowing structure. They live underground in burrows, and since they have no use for vision, their eyes are mostly vestigial. They have light-detecting black eye spots, and teeth occur in the upper jaw. Typhlopids do not have dislocatable lower jaw articulations restricting them to prey smaller than their oral aperture. The tail ends with a horn-like scale. Most of these species are oviparous. Currently, 18 genera are recognized containing over 200 species.

<i>Amerotyphlops brongersmianus</i> Species of snake

Amerotyphlops brongersmianus, known commonly as Brongersma's worm snake or the South American striped blindsnake, is a species of harmless blind snake in the family Typhlopidae. The species is native to South America and Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean. No subspecies are currently recognized.

<i>Indotyphlops braminus</i> Species of reptile

Indotyphlops braminus, commonly known as the brahminy blind snake and other names, is a non-venomous blind snake species found mostly in Africa and Asia, but has been introduced in many other parts of the world. They are completely fossorial reptiles, with habits and appearance similar to earthworms, for which they are often mistaken, although close examination reveals tiny scales and eyes rather than the annular segments characteristic of true earthworms. The species is parthenogenetic and all known specimens have been female. The specific name is a Latinized form of the word Brahmin. No subspecies are currently recognized.

<i>Typhlops</i> Genus of snakes

Typhlops is a genus of blind snakes in the family Typhlopidae. The genus is endemic to the West Indies. Some species which were formerly placed in the genus Typhlops have been moved to the genera Afrotyphlops, Amerotyphlops, Anilios, Antillotyphlops, Argyrophis, Cubatyphlops, Indotyphlops, Letheobia, Madatyphlops, Malayotyphlops, and Xerotyphlops.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Scolecophidia</span> Infraorder of snakes

The Scolecophidia, commonly known as blind snakes or thread snakes, are an infraorder of snakes. They range in length from 10 to 100 centimetres. All are fossorial. Five families and 39 genera are recognized. The Scolecophidia infraorder is most likely paraphyletic.

Anilios australis, or the southern blind snake, is a species of snake in the family Typhlopidae. The species is endemic to Australia.

Anilios broomi, also known commonly as Broom's blind snake, the faint-striped blind snake, and the striate blind snake, is a species of non-venomous snake in the family Typhlopidae. The species is endemic to Australia.

Anilios diversus, or the northern blind snake, is a species of snake in the family Typhlopidae. The species is endemic to Australia.

The long-beaked blind snake is a species of snake in the family Typhlopidae, first described in 1918 by Edgar Waite as Typhlops grypus, and endemic to northern Australia.

The Top End blind snake is a species of snake in the family Typhlopidae. The species is endemic to Australia.

The Kimberley deep-soil blind snake is a species of snake in the family Typhlopidae. The species is endemic to Australia.

The buff-snouted blind snake is a species of snake in the family Typhlopidae. The species is endemic to Australia.

Anilios silvia, also known commonly as the great sandy blind snake or Sylvia's blind snake, is a species of snake in the family Typhlopidae. The species is endemic to northeastern Australia.

The Darwin blind snake is a species of snake in the family Typhlopidae. The species is endemic to Australia.

The beaked blind snake, also known commonly as Waite's blind snake, is a species of snake in the family Typhlopidae.

The brown-snouted blind snake, also known commonly as Wied's blind snake, is a species of snake in the family Typhlopidae. The species is endemic to Australia.

Conrad's worm snake is a species of snake in the family Typhlopidae. The species is endemic to Indonesia.

Argyrophis klemmeri, also known as Klemmer's blind snake or the Kuala Lumpur worm snake, is a species of Asian snake in the family Typhlopidae.

Anilios ganei, also known commonly as Gane's blind snake, is a species of snake in the family Typhlopidae. The species is endemic to Australia.

Anilios vagurima, also known as the Mornington blind snake, is a species of blind snake that is endemic to Australia. The specific epithet vagurima refers to the diagnostic morphology of the cleft in the nasal scale.

References

  1. ↑ Ellis, R. & Shea, G. 2018. Anilios endoterus (amended version of 2017 assessment). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T178287A129366327. Downloaded on 06 August 2018.
  2. ↑ McDiarmid RW, Campbell JA, Touré T. 1999. Snake Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference, vol. 1. Herpetologists' League. 511 pp. ISBN   1-893777-00-6 (series). ISBN   1-893777-01-4 (volume).
  3. ↑ "Ramphotyphlops". Integrated Taxonomic Information System . Retrieved 29 August 2007.
  4. ↑ Anilios endoterus at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database . Accessed 29 July 2018.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Wilson, Steve; Swan, Gerry (2013). A complete guide to reptiles of Australia. Australia: New Holland Publishers. pp. 434–440. ISBN   9781921517280.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Cogger, Harold (2018). Reptiles & amphibians of Australia. Australia: CSIRO Publishing. pp. 791–800.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Interior blind snake – profile". Office of Environment & Heritage. 1 December 2017.
  8. ↑ Cermak, Micheal (2008). Spectacular snakes of Australia. Collingwood Victoria, Australia: CSIRO publishing. p. 62.
  9. 1 2 3 Swan, Gerry; Shea, Glenn; Sadlier, Ross (2004). A field guide to reptiles of New South Wales. Australia: Reed New Holland. pp. 199–2004.
  10. 1 2 Shine, Richard (1994). Australian snakes: a natural history. Chatswood NSW, Australia: Reed Books. p. 33.
  11. 1 2 3 4 Storr, G.M. (1981). "THE GENUS RAMPHOTYPHLOPS (SERPENTES: TYPHLOPIDAE) IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA" (PDF). Records of the Western Australian Museum. 9 (3): 235–271.
  12. ↑ Ellis, Ryan J. (2019). "A typhlopid hotspot in the tropics: increased blindsnake diversity in the Kimberley region of Western Australia with the description of a new Anilios species (Serpentes: Typhlopidae)". Records of the Western Australian Museum. 34 (1): 31. doi: 10.18195/issn.0312-3162.34(1).2019.031-037 . ISSN   0312-3162.
  13. 1 2 3 Cowan, Mark; Burbidge, Allan (2014). "Peterswald Map Sheet Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Survey – Great Victoria Desert Western Australia" (PDF).
  14. 1 2 3 Swan, Gerry; Foster, Ralph (June 2005). "The reptiles and amphibians of Mutawintji National Park, Western New South Wales". Australian Zoologist. 33 (1): 39–48. doi: 10.7882/az.2005.003 . ISSN   0067-2238.
  15. ↑ Shea, G. M. (1999). Waite's blind snakes (Squamata: Scolecophidia: Typhlopidae): identification of sources and correction of errors. RECORDS-AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM, 51, 43-56.
  16. ↑ Edgar R. Waite (1918). "Review of the Australian blind snakes (family Typhlopidae)". Records of the South Australian Museum. 1: 1-34 [32]. ISSN   0376-2750. Wikidata   Q114039166.
  17. 1 2 Hedges, S. Blair; Marion, Angela B.; Lipp, Kelly M.; Marin, Julie; Vidal, Nicolas (2014-01-17). Henderson, Robert W. (ed.). "A taxonomic framework for typhlopid snakes from the Caribbean and other regions (Reptilia, Squamata)" (PDF). Caribbean Herpetology. doi: 10.31611/ch.49 . ISSN   2333-2468.
  18. ↑ author. "Saving our Species program". NSW Environment, Energy and Science. Retrieved 2021-06-10.{{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  19. ↑ "Interior Blind Snake – profile | NSW Environment, Energy and Science". www.environment.nsw.gov.au. Retrieved 2021-06-10.
  20. ↑ Read, John; Bowen, Zoë (2001). "Population dynamics, diet and aspects of the biology of feral cats and foxes in arid South Australia". Wildlife Research. 28 (2): 195. doi:10.1071/wr99065. ISSN   1035-3712.
  21. ↑ ELLIS, RYAN J.; DOUGHTY, PAUL; DONNELLAN, STEPHEN C.; MARIN, JULIE; VIDAL, NICOLAS (2017-09-20). "Worms in the sand: Systematic revision of the Australian blindsnake Anilios leptosoma (Robb, 1972) species complex (Squamata: Scolecophidia: Typhlopidae) from the Geraldton Sandplain, with description of two new species". Zootaxa. 4323 (1): 19. doi:10.11646/zootaxa.4323.1.1. ISSN   1175-5334.
  22. ↑ Shine, Richard; Webb, Jonathan K. (1990). "Natural History of Australian Typhlopid Snakes". Journal of Herpetology. 24 (4): 357–363. doi:10.2307/1565050. ISSN   0022-1511. JSTOR   1565050.
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