In the quiet green stretches of Misima Island, far from city life, a rare discovery is shedding light on the island’s rich wildlife. Fred Kraus, a biologist from the University of Michigan Ann Arbor, travelled to this remote part of Papua New Guinea to study reptiles. Instead, he found a snake no one had recorded before.
Unique Snake Found in Mine Site
While exploring a mining site, Kraus spotted several unusual snakes. They had black eyes, white chins and deep, matte-black skin. Each measured around four feet long. The snakes looked different from any he’d seen before. Kraus soon confirmed the find as a new species—Dendrelaphis atra, or the ‘atra tree snake’.
His study, published in Zootaxa, detailed their rare features. Unlike others in the Dendrelaphis genus, the young snakes start with grey-brown tones. As they age, they turn fully black. This change in colour sets them apart from other known species.The atra tree snake, scientifically named Dendrelaphis atra. (Image: Fred Kraus)
The snakes were found across the island—in rainforest ridges, village gardens, and even altered environments like mining areas. Although common on Misima Island, little is known about their role in the local ecosystem.
Biodiversity Treasure in Milne Bay
Misima Island sits within the Milne Bay Province, a global hotspot for rare plants and animals. Papua New Guinea holds over five percent of all known species worldwide. This makes it one of Earth’s most diverse regions. Kraus’s discovery only adds to its importance.
Beyond Dendrelaphis atra, Kraus identified three more snake species. Each is native to separate islands within the Louisiade Archipelago. These finds show how rich and varied the region’s wildlife truly is.
Conservationists believe the growing list of endemic species proves how vital the region is. Researchers urge continued study and protection of Misima’s forests and wildlife. Every discovery is a reminder of what still waits to be found.