A fresh serpent has emerged in the jungle, and its title may ring a bell with rock enthusiasts. Researchers from the Field Museum in Chicago have christened a newfound, harmless groundsnake from New Guinea as Lielaphis slashi, paying homage to Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash. The snake, measuring around 71 centimeters in reddish-brown hue, is now officially recognized as Slash’s groundsnake.
For Slash, this acknowledgment holds personal significance. The Field Museum highlights him as a devoted reptile admirer and a strong advocate of zoos and museums. The guitarist has openly displayed his affection for snakes both in his music and personal interests. In 1994, he founded the rock supergroup Slash’s Snakepit, collaborating with members from various renowned bands.
Expressing his gratitude, Slash mentioned, “I am extremely honored and humbled to have Lielaphis slashi from New Guinea named after me… It is really exciting. I never would have imagined this moment would arrive.”
Sara Ruane, the Field Museum’s associate curator of herpetology, and senior author of a publication in Zootaxa detailing the new species, shared that her fascination with reptiles began at a young age. Ruane’s inspiration to name a snake after Slash stemmed from a magazine cover featuring the guitarist with a pet python. Years later, as a scientist naming newly discovered reptile species, she fulfilled her aspiration by honoring Slash in this manner.
The newly identified Slash’s groundsnake was first encountered in 2006 during fieldwork in New Guinea by Chris Austin, a herpetology professor. The island, hosting diverse biodiversity, poses challenges for researchers due to the presence of venomous snakes resembling harmless species. Despite the inconspicuous nature of snakes, genetic analysis confirmed Lielaphis slashi as a distinct species within its genus.
Conservationists raise concerns about the habitat of Slash’s groundsnakes facing threats from human activities such as coffee farming and mining. Naming the snake after Slash not only pays tribute to the musician but also serves to draw attention to the fragile ecosystem of New Guinea.
In conclusion, while Guns N’ Roses once carried a notorious reputation as “the most dangerous band in the world,” Slash’s groundsnake presents a harmless and intriguing addition to the biodiversity of New Guinea, securing a lasting legacy in the realm of rock and roll.
