The discovery of three new snail-sucking snake species in the forests of western Ecuador was announced today in a study published in the journal ZooKeys by a group of Ecuadorean and international scientists. Rainforest Trust’s President and supporters, who have helped purchase and protect multiple threatened areas across Ecuador, were honored for their efforts to protect this vital habitat by having the new snakes named after them.

The process of naming a species creates awareness about its existence and risk of extinction, and it also provides an opportunity to recognize and honor the work of the people fighting to protect it.

Rainforest Trust President Dr. Robert “Bob” S. Ridgely as well as Rainforest Trust supporters George Jett and Dr. Beverly Ridgely, Dr. Bob Ridgely’s father, were recognized in perpetuity for their contribution to conservation with the following species names: Dipsa bobridgelyi, Dipsa georgejetti and Sibon bevridgelyi.

“We are proud that our generous supporters are being recognized for their efforts to permanently protect these and many other endangered species,” said Rainforest Trust CEO Dr. Paul Salaman.

“It is a permanent and most fitting tribute to the dedication Beverly, Bob and George have shown to protecting at-risk habitats. The fact that these namesake species will be able to survive, and thrive, is their legacy.”

The researchers discovered the species new to science, which are all snail-sucking snakes, in southwest Ecuador, with two of the species being located within Buenaventura Reserve. Rainforest Trust partners with the local conservation group Fundación Jocotoco to strategically purchase and protect land across Ecuador, including properties to expand protection in Buenaventura and other areas where the snakes were discovered, in an effort to halt species extinction.

Alejandro Arteaga, a Ph.D. student at the American Museum of Natural History and Scientific Director of Tropical Herping, partnered with Dr. Alex Pyron, Assistant Professor of Biology at George Washington University, to carry out a series of expeditions in Ecuador between 2013 and 2017. These trips led to the discovery of the three new species.

“We had to let people know that these cool snakes exist, then also let them know that these species might soon stop existing,” Arteaga said. “ [We] then [need to] get people’s help to protect the snakes’ habitat.”

The new species are part of a group of snakes for which snails are the primary source of food. These reptiles have their jaws modified in such a way that they can suck the viscous, slimy body of a snail right out of its shell.

“It is truly an honor to be recognized by Rainforest Trust, which in their 30 years have protected over 18,000,000 acres,” said longtime supporter George Jett. “The staff and leadership also deserve to be honored. They are the most professional and productive conservation group I have dealt with in my many decades of supporting conservation efforts. When they asked me if I would not mind having a snail-sucking, arboreal, non-venomous snake named for me, I could not have been more pleased. Thank you.”

While these snakes are harmless to humans, they are tragically threatened by deforestation for timber and agricultural expansion. The three “Snail-Eater” species discovered were facing the possibility of extinction, as the remaining forest that is critical to their survival is almost completely destroyed. Fortunately, Rainforest Trust is continuing to support its local Ecuadorean partner (Fundación Jocotoco) in the purchase and protection of rainforest properties to expand the Canandé Reserve and secure the surrounding landscape, most recently through a 26-acre land purchase on May 10.