A groundbreaking study, published in the renowned journal Systematics and Biodiversity, sheds light on the taxonomy of the Bushmaster, the largest venomous snake in the Americas. Conducted by Breno Hamdan (from Instituto Vital Brazil and UFRJ), the research brought together 16 specialists from 13 institutions.

The research article "When a name changes everything: taxonomy and conservation of the Atlantic bushmaster(Lachesis Daudin, 1803) (Serpentes: Viperidae: Crotalinae)" delves into the taxonomy and conservation of the Atlantic bushmaster, a venomous snake species native to South America. The study utilizes high-resolution genomics, venomics, morphological, and ecological data to explore the evolutionary history and speciation processes of Lachesis muta populations.

Key findings include:

1. Taxonomic Clarification: The Amazon populations are identified as Lachesis muta, while the Atlantic Forest populations are recognized as Lachesis rhombeata. L. rhombeata displays lower genetic diversity than L. muta, underscoring the need for its inclusion in endangered species lists.
2. Conservation Recommendations: The study suggests classifying the L. rhombeata population from the Baturité massif in Ceará state as an evolutionarily significant unit (ESU) for conservation. Genetic substructure within L. muta populations is also identified, emphasizing the necessity for targeted conservation efforts.
3. Historical Context: The paper traces the historical classification of L. muta and its subspecies, highlighting the challenges and limitations of previous studies due to restricted molecular data and diagnostic difficulties.

The study aims to contribute to the taxonomic stability of Neotropical fauna and stress the urgent need to protect the Atlantic Forest populations of Lachesis species, along with their habitats. The integration of advanced molecular techniques and comprehensive ecological data provides a robust framework for future conservation strategies.

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14772000.2024.2366215