Snake Named After Slash

A newly discovered snake species, Lielaphis slashi, has been named after Slash, the guitarist of Guns N' Roses. The species was discovered in the forests of New Guinea in 2006 by Chris Austin, a professor and curator of herpetology at the Louisiana State University Museum of Natural Science.

The Lielaphis slashi snake is 28 inches (71 centimeters) long and reddish-brown in color. It was described in a paper published in Zootaxa by Sara Ruane, the Field Museum's associate curator of herpetology, and co-authors.

Slash is a lifelong reptile lover and an avid supporter of zoos and museums. His love of reptiles inspired Sara Ruane, who has been a fan of Guns N' Roses since she was a child. Ruane was inspired by Slash's love of reptiles after reading an interview with him in Reptiles Magazine when she was 12 years old.

New Guinea, where the species was discovered, is the second-largest island in the world, after Greenland. The discovery of Lielaphis slashi is a significant find, and the species has been named after Slash in recognition of his support for zoos and museums.

## Why it matters The discovery of new species like Lielaphis slashi highlights the importance of conservation and research efforts. It also shows the impact that individuals like Slash can have on the scientific community, inspiring future generations of scientists and conservationists. The naming of the species after Slash is a testament to his lifelong love of reptiles and his support for zoos and museums.

The discovery of Lielaphis slashi is a reminder of the rich biodiversity of our planet and the need to protect and preserve it for future generations. As new species are discovered, it is essential to continue supporting conservation efforts and inspiring future scientists and conservationists.