A recent discovery in the jungle has led scientists from the Field Museum in Chicago to name a new non-venomous groundsnake from New Guinea as Lielaphis slashi in tribute to the renowned Guns N’ Roses guitarist, Slash. Measuring about 71 centimeters in length, the reddish-brown reptile is now officially recognized as Slash’s groundsnake.
Slash, known for his love of reptiles, expressed deep gratitude for having a snake species named after him, stating that he never expected such an honor. The guitarist has been a lifelong enthusiast of snakes, as evident from his musical and personal endeavors, including the formation of the band Slash’s Snakepit in 1994.
The Field Museum’s associate curator of herpetology, Sara Ruane, shared her early passion for reptiles and how she was inspired by Slash’s affinity for snakes when she received a magazine featuring him with a python. Ruane, who later became a scientist naming newly discovered reptile species, found it a privilege to name a species and considered naming one after Slash as the highlight of her project.
The groundsnake named after Slash was first encountered in 2006 during fieldwork in New Guinea by Chris Austin, a professor of herpetology. Despite the challenging terrain and hidden nature of snakes in the region, researchers identified the snake as a distinct species through genetic testing. Conservationists note that the biggest threat to Slash’s groundsnake is human activity, such as deforestation from industries like coffee farming and mining.
Naming the snake after Slash serves not only as a tribute but also aims to raise awareness about the ecosystem in New Guinea. This unique recognition of Slash’s contribution to the world of rock and roll immortalizes the small forest snake in a different kind of hall of fame.