WEB DESK: Scientists working in northwestern Saudi Arabia’s ancient oasis of AlUla were thrilled earlier this year to discover a new species of snake. With its striking red hue and chic black collar, the reptile is perfectly adapted to camouflage against the sand and rock of the Hejaz.
This charismatic new species, which is thankfully non-venomous, was discovered by Laszlo Patko, who for the past two years has worked as the applied research lead at the Royal Commission for AlUla, inventorying the biodiversity of the region.
“The snake species, Rhynchocalamus hejazicus, is not just new to the region or the country — it’s new to science,” the Hungarian academic told reporters.
