New Middle Eastern Species Discovered with Secretive Lifestyle

A new species of snake, the Levant rat snake or Elaphe druzei, has been discovered in the mountains of Israel, Lebanon, and Syria. The snake has a solid black head with a yellowish body and pattern with “oval black brown blotches” and can grow up to 6 feet long. The new species was identified through DNA analysis and several characteristics including body and genitalia shape, scale pattern, and coloring. Researchers believe the new species is endangered and threatened by human behavior including military activity, tourism, and climate change.