Snake Species Believed to Be the World’s Smallest ‘Rediscovered’ After Being ‘Lost to Science’ for 20 Years

World’s Tiniest Snake ‘Rediscovered’ After 20 Years Lost to Science

In what can only be described as a remarkable rediscovery, the world’s smallest snake species, the Barbados threadsnake, has been found in Barbados after being ‘lost to science’ for a staggering 20 years. The tiny reptile resurfaced during an ecological survey conducted by the Ministry of the Environment and National Beautification (MENB) of Barbados and the conservation group Re:wild earlier this year, as revealed in a press release on July 23, 2025.

This minuscule snake, which can comfortably rest on a quarter and is often mistaken for an earthworm due to its size, was spotted underneath a rock during the survey in March. The find marked the first documented sighting of the species in nearly two decades. The Barbados threadsnake had been absent from scientific records, earning a spot on Re:wild’s extensive list of “lost to science” species, which includes over 4,800 different living organisms.

Measuring a maximum length of 4.1 inches and averaging a weight of just 0.02 ounces, the Barbados threadsnake is believed to hold the title of the world’s smallest known snake species, according to Encyclopedia Britannica. This little reptile remains enigmatic, with sparse information available about its habits, making it a mysterious creature in the scientific community.

The rarity of the Barbados threadsnake is underscored by its classification as a blind snake, adding to its cryptic nature. Connor Blades, a project officer with the Ministry of Environment in Barbados, commented on the scarcity of sightings, noting, “There have only been a handful of confirmed sightings since 1889, so there are not many people who have ever seen it, unfortunately.”

During the survey that led to the rediscovery of the Barbados threadsnake, part of the Conserving Barbados’ Endemic Reptiles project, Justin Springer from Re:wild and Blades embarked on the task of searching for these elusive snakes. Their perseverance paid off when they lifted a rock under a tree root and stumbled upon the tiny reptile. The find was a cause for celebration, considering the exhaustive efforts that preceded it.

The Barbados threadsnake’s appearance has previously led to misclassification, with past specimens mistakenly identified as other species. Biologist S. Blair Hedges rectified these errors when he officially recognised the Barbados threadsnake in 2008, clarifying its distinctive characteristics. However, confusion with the Brahminy blind snake, an invasive species in Barbados, remains a challenge for researchers.

Following the confirmation of the snake’s identity at the University of the West Indies, Blades and Springer returned the diminutive reptile to its natural habitat in the forest. The significance of this rediscovery extends beyond a mere scientific find, highlighting the importance of preserving the unique biodiversity found in Barbados’ forests.

The rediscovery of the Barbados threadsnake serves as a poignant reminder of the need to protect and conserve the natural habitats that house such rare and precious species. Springer emphasised, “The threadsnake’s rediscovery is also a call to all of us as Barbadians that forests in Barbados are very special and need protection.” This resurrection of a lost species underscores the critical role that conservation efforts play in safeguarding the rich tapestry of life on our planet.