Boulengerula spawlsi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Boulengerula spawlsi |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Boulengerula
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| Species: |
spawlsi
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Boulengerula spawlsi is a special type of caecilian. Caecilians are animals that look a bit like worms or snakes, but they are actually amphibians. This species belongs to the family called Herpelidae.
This unique creature lives only in Kenya. It is found specifically around the Ngaia Forest Reserve in the Nyambene Hills. It is also known by the common name Spawls' boolee. The name spawlsi was chosen to honor Stephen Spawls. He was the first person to find this species. He has also done a lot of important work studying African reptiles and amphibians.
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How Was Spawls' Boolee Discovered?
The first Boulengerula spawlsi was found in the Nyambene Hills in 2007. At first, scientists thought it was very similar to another species, Boulengerula denhardti. More specimens were found in 2008. They were also thought to be the same species.
However, scientists looked at these animals more closely. They compared them with other specimens from museums. They realized these were not the same as Boulengerula denhardti. Instead, they were a completely new species! This new species was officially described in 2017.
What Does Spawls' Boolee Look Like?
Spawls' boolee is a small animal. Adult males are about 22 to 23 centimeters (8.7 to 9.1 inches) long. Adult females are a bit longer, about 22 to 25 centimeters (8.7 to 9.9 inches) long.
It has a body shaped like a cylinder, but it is slightly flat. Its eyes are not visible at all. The snout, or nose area, sticks out quite a bit past its mouth. The body has many rings, called annular grooves. There are between 150 and 157 of these rings.
The widest part of its body is about 3.8 millimeters (0.15 inches) across. Its back is a slightly purplish-blue color. Its sides and belly are a bit lighter. The head and throat are pinkish. The very tip of its snout is pale, and the rings on its body are whitish.
Where Does Spawls' Boolee Live?
Spawls' boolee lives in the Ngaia Forest Reserve. This area is high up, between 1300 and 1419 meters (about 4,265 to 4,656 feet) above sea level.
Scientists have found these animals in different places. They have dug them out of the soil. Some were found in the hollow base of a large fallen tree. Others were found under stones or rotting logs. They also live in piles of fallen leaves.
Why Is Spawls' Boolee Important to Protect?
This species seems to be uncommon. It is also hard to find. We don't know if it lives outside the forest.
One threat to Spawls' boolee is people collecting logs for firewood. This removes the rotting wood and trees where they live. Luckily, the Ngaia Forest Reserve is a protected area. This helps keep the species safe. Protecting their habitat is important for their survival.
