A distinctively patterned wolf snake is the latest species discovered in Cambodia's diverse Cardamom Mountains, the Fauna & Flora International (FFI) said in a news statement on Tuesday.

The new snake has been named Lycodon zoosvictoriae in honor of the Zoological Parks and Gardens Board of Victoria in Australia, which has supported FFI studies in the region for several years, the statement said.

The peculiar, almost chequered coloration of the snake renders Lycodon zoosvictoriae highly distinct and allows it to be recognized from other wolf snakes, so named due to their large teeth in both jaws.

Scientists believe living in high altitude montane rain forest and a unique coloration has helped the snake remain overlooked, despite concerted survey efforts in the area.

Cambodian herpetologist Neang Thy, FFI's research adviser in Phnom Penh, who discovered the new species, said "given its unique coloration, submontane habitat and altitudinal separation from other wolf snakes in the region, the species will probably prove to be endemic to the Cardamom Mountains."

Chris Banks, manager of International Conservation Partnerships with the Zoological Parks and Gardens Board, said "we are delighted to have a species named after us, and humbled to have our support for FFI's Cambodian program acknowledged in this way."

This discovery is the eighth new snake found in the Cardamom Mountains since survey work began in 2000, the statement said.

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