World researchers discover a new snake family in Kenya

The desert black-headed snake is common in northeastern, eastern, southern and southeastern Kenya. [Courtesy]

The snakes belong to the genus Micrelaps, previously classified under the family Colubridae, which includes the vast majority of snakes. "We are aware of the uncertainty and debate around snakes in this genus, now family Micrelapidae," Malonza added.

M. muelleri are rear-fanged venomous snakes. They are found in sandy desert habitats in southern Israel and also in parts of the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Jordan and Syria.

Kenyan and Tanzanian drylands are also home to two species of these small, mostly harmless snakes in the same genus and newly identified family: M. vaillanti, the desert black-headed snake, is common in northeastern, eastern, southern and southeastern Kenya. M. bicoloratus, known as the Kenya two-headed snake, is found in Maasai land, Somaliland, Laikipia plateau, Ukambani, Tsavo, Thika, Lamu and Garissa.

"These are quite friendly snakes that are mostly harmless to humans, and they should not be persecuted (killed)," Malonza said. "They're really beautiful to look at in terms of aesthetic value."

Many people in Kenya kill snakes on sight, especially venomous ones. While snakes play an important role in the ecosystem, experts urge caution and education.

In many African cultures, snakes are associated with evil or witchcraft, resulting in their indiscriminate killing. However, Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Nyanza region Senior Warden Christine Boit says some snake species play significant roles in controlling rodent populations, controlling pests, sustaining the food chain and maintaining ecosystem balance.

In addition to their ecological importance, snakes are also important cultural symbols in some African communities that view snakes as protectors or symbols of good luck, and killing them can be disrespectful or taboo.

Malonza also notes that Micrelapidae snakes provide food for other animals. "Birds of prey and other snakes prey on Micrelapidae snakes, which supports the broader food web in their ecosystem," he says.

According to researchers, Micrelaps snakes separated from the rest of the snake evolutionary tree roughly 50 million years ago and have evolved independently as a different and separate family since then. Researchers suspect the snakes originated in Africa and at some point, some of them likely migrated north through the Great Rift Valley.