New wolf snake named after Steve Irwin found in Nicobar Islands

Technology Dec 06, 2025

A shiny black, non-venomous wolf snake—Lycodon irwini—was just discovered on Great Nicobar Island.
It's about a meter long and feeds primarily on smaller reptiles.
The species is super rare; only a few snakes have been spotted so far.

How did scientists know it was new?

Researchers compared its scales, head shape, and DNA to other snakes and found big genetic differences—enough to call it a brand-new species unique to the island's rainforests.

Why does this matter?

Because Lycodon irwini lives only in one spot and there are so few of them, experts say it should be listed as Endangered.
Its habitat is threatened by human activity.
Naming the snake after Steve Irwin is a nod to his legacy in wildlife conservation—and a reminder that protecting these hidden creatures really matters.