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New viper species discovered
Matilda's Horned Viper previously unknown.

Details about the discovery of a new species of viper found in a remote area of Tanzania during a 2010-2011 biological survey have been published by the Zootaxa journal. The exact location of the snake has not been published and will remain a secret to prevent the involvement of the illegal pet trade.

"The global trade in wildlife is huge, and a very significant part of that is the illegal trade in wild-caught amphibians and reptiles, for the pet trade. Snakes are particularly popular and a new snake arouses considerable interest," explains Tim Davenport, the Tanzania Country Director of the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)
The snake has a dramatic black-and-yellow pattern, measures approximate 60 centimetres long, and has distinctive growths above the eyes which recall horns. A resemblance to the Usambara Bush Viper has been noted. The species has been dubbed Matilda's Horned Viper and has received the taxonomic name Atheris matildae in accordance with the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature.

The authors of the Zootaxa study believe that the viper will immediately be classified as a critically endangered species. The snake's natural habitat, which only constitutes an area of less than 100 square kilometres, has already been severely degraded by logging and the manufacture of charcoal. What little habitat is left is also declining in quality and thus viability. A small captive breeding colony to prevent complete extinction has already been established and the first few dozen offspring will be made available free of charge in the hope that a public effort can support the scientific program.

The species received its name from a five-year-old girl: Mr Davenport's daughter. "When we first discovered the snake, we kept one securely in a tank outside the office while we studied it. My daughter, then five years old, was fascinated and always insisted on helping us to feed it and look after it. It became known as Matilda's viper and the name stuck. We simply added the 'horned' later. She is very pleased but of course her younger sister wants a species now too! We will see what we can do..."

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."