In March 2025, something amazing happened in the forests of central Barbados: the rediscovery of the Barbados threadsnake (Tetracheilostoma carlae), the world’s smallest known snake. Scientists hadn’t observed this hard-to-find species in almost twenty years, which made many people think it might have died out. However, thanks to the hard work of local ecologist Connor Blades and conservationist Justin Springer, the tiny reptile was found under a rock. This was a big step forward for conservation efforts around the world.
Physical Traits
The Barbados threadsnake is very small, only 10.4 cm (4.1 inches) long and about 0.6 grammes heavy. Because of its size, it can curl up on a coin, which makes it easy to mistake for an earthworm. The snake’s body is covered in smooth, see-through scales, and there are pale yellow lines running down its back. It can’t see, so it uses its other senses to find its way around underground.
Habitat and Food
The threadsnake is native to Barbados and resides in the island’s remaining natural forests, which have been greatly reduced by human activity. The species is fossorial, which means it spends most of its life underground in moist soil to keep from drying out. It primarily eats termites and ant larvae, which it hunts with its special adaptations.
The Past
In 1889, the Barbados threadsnake was observed for the first time. But it wasn’t until 2008 that biologist S. Blair Hedges used genetic analysis to find out that it was a new species. Since then, the snake has been seen very few times, with only a few sightings recorded in 1918, 1966, 1997, and 2008. Because it was hard to tell apart from other similar species and hard to find, it did not appear in scientific records for almost twenty years.
Importance for conservation
The rediscovery of the Barbados threadsnake gives conservationists hope. It shows how strong species are, even when they lose their homes and face additional challenges in the environment. The snake’s presence in the wild shows how important it is to protect the island’s remaining natural habitats, which are necessary for the survival of many native species.
Problems with conservation
Even though there is good news, the threadsnake’s survival is still in danger. Since Europeans took over Barbados in the 16th century, 98% of its original forests have been cut down. This has led to the extinction of many native species. Urban growth, farming, and invasive species are all threats to the last natural habitats. To keep the Barbados threadsnake and other native animals alive, these areas need to be protected.
Role of Re:wild
Re:wild, a non-profit group that works to protect endangered species and ecosystems, helped with the rediscovery. The goal of Re:wild’s “Search for Lost Species” project is to find and protect species that scientists have lost. Finding the Barbados threadsnake again shows that these kinds of conservation efforts work.
What the future holds
Finding the Barbados threadsnake again gives us a chance to improve the island’s conservation efforts. To learn more about the species’ ecology, population dynamics, and threats, we need to keep doing research and monitoring. Getting local communities involved in conservation projects and encouraging people to use land in ways that are good for the natural world is important steps towards making sure this amazing snake lives on for a long time.
The End
The return of the Barbados threadsnake to the scientific community shows how important it is to work together and keep trying to protect animals. There are still problems, but this rediscovery gives us hope and reminds us of how fragile the balance is that we need to protect the diversity of life on Earth. When we protect species like the Barbados threadsnake, we not only protect those species, but we also protect the health and strength of whole ecosystems.
