A SPECIES of snake which was only discovered in 1993 has gone on display at the Blue Planet Aquarium in Cheshire Oaks.
The Savu python is only found on a tiny island off the coast of New Guinea in the Pacific which measures just 160 square miles.
The snake, which can grow up a metre in length, has the smallest geographical distribution of any python and is particularly vulnerable to any changes in its environment.
Blue Planet Aquarium’s reptile expert Joe Chattell said: “Our trio of snakes came from a captive breeding programme which has been set up at Bristol Zoo.
“The snakes can be difficult to breed in captivity but we are hoping our group will start to reproduce in the not-too-distant future.
“They are beautifully coloured with iridescent scales that appear to constantly change colour depending on the light. As they age the eyes of Savu pythons also turn white for a very striking, unusual appearance.
“Strangely the babies look absolutely nothing like the adults. They start off terracotta in colour, and gradually begin the change at around one year of age,” he added.
Since their discovery, numbers in the wild have dropped dramatically as a result of the pet trade.
There are now restrictions in place to limit the numbers of snakes removed from the wild.
However, captive populations – like the one at Blue Planet - should help to ensure the long-term survival of the species.
There are nearly 30 different species of python in the world. Savu pythons are among the smallest at just over a metre in length.