New UK Species of snake?

Hmm, just seen that. Very interesting

For those who don't like wading through scientific data this can be summarised as follows:-

• Extensive research into the genetics of grass snakes across Europe revealed distinct genetic differences sometimes, but not invariably, similar to current sub-species classifications.
• The animals fell into three broad groups -  a western group which had very limited breeding with .......... the central group which had extensive interbreeding with ............. the eastern group
• They propose that the genetic distance of the western group Natrix natrix helvetica ("our" grass snake) is so large (c. 7.3-8.2 million years) that it should be classed as a separate species
• As a result our grass snake would become Natrix helvetica helvetica
• The small number of known alien grass snakes in the UK would remain Natrix natrix persa

And that, as I say, very simplistically. So, it would mean that technically speaking we have two species of grass snake - one  native one the same as it always has been but elevated to separate species status and the other introduced and relatively scarce which is not so elevated

And, of course, this all depends on what definition of what constitutes a species - which no-one seems to be able to agree on!

All the best
Chris

Hi Tim

Hmm - tricky that one. I know a man who knows and will try to get in touch with him

All the best
Chris

Sorry PondDragon, but I have to differ. Under the proposed new classification, all of the western grass snakes have become Natrix helvetica with several sub-species. Thus we now have five sub-species within the proposed new species ( see table extracted from the relevant research paper at foot of post). Thus, although it would be permissible to refer to our grass snake as Natrix helvetica if it was clear that we were referring only to the native UK animals, in a wider context it is one of five distinct sub-species and the full nomenclature would be correct.
All the best
Chris
Old name .............................. New name

Natrix natrix helvetica	Natrix helvetica helvetica
Natrix natrix cetti	Natrix helvetica cetti
Natrix natrix corsa	Natrix helvetica corsa
Natrix natrix lanzai	Natrix helvetica lanzai
Natrix natrix sicula	Natrix helvetica sicula

Yes, I agree totally with that (even though I am a "lumper" rather than a "splitter" and maintain that most of these species separation are actually scientific evidence for sub-species - something which has never before existed)
Chris