After nearly 20 years of silence, the world’s smallest snake, Tetracheilostoma carlae, has been rediscovered in the forests of Barbados. This tiny, elusive creature, often described as being no bigger than a spaghetti noodle, was last seen in 2008 and had long been presumed lost to science. But in March 2025, researchers from the Barbados Ministry of the Environment and Re:wild confirmed its existence once again, sparking hope for this critically endangered species and drawing attention to the precarious state of the island’s ecosystems.
A Serpent Like No Other
The Barbados threadsnake is an astonishingly small species, measuring just 10 centimeters when fully grown. Its size and behavior have made it incredibly difficult to spot. Blind and living underground, it’s nearly invisible to the naked eye. Unlike many other snakes, it does not actively seek out prey; instead, it hunts termites and their eggs, which it detects using senses other than sight.
The Barbados threadsnake, a species lost to science for nearly 20 years, was rediscovered during an ecological survey on Barbados by the Barbados Ministry of the Environment and National Beautification and Re:wild in March 2025. (Photo by Connor Blades)
This snake is so secretive that scientists initially struggled to document it. There are only a handful of confirmed sightings dating back to its first mention in 1889. The lack of records and its minuscule size raised concerns that it might have become extinct. Yet, this recent rediscovery offers a new chapter for this unique species, providing scientists with another chance to study and protect it before it disappears again.
A Fragile Ecosystem in Peril
The rediscovery of Tetracheilostoma carlae is significant not just because of its rarity, but also because of the environmental challenges it faces. Barbados, like many islands, has been hit hard by deforestation and the introduction of invasive species. Over the past few centuries, nearly 98% of its primary forests have been cleared for agriculture, leaving only small, isolated patches of forest that still support native wildlife.
The size of Barbados threadsnake. (Photo by Connor Blades)
These forests, especially in the Scotland District of Barbados, are vital to the survival of the island’s endemic species, including the threadsnake. However, they are rapidly disappearing, and this places immense pressure on creatures that rely on these habitats. The island’s invasive species, like the Indian mongoose, have also caused havoc, decimating native populations by preying on smaller reptiles and mammals. The Tetracheilostoma carlae is no exception to this battle for survival in an increasingly fragmented ecosystem.
Conservation Efforts and the Road Ahead
In response to the rediscovery, researchers are now working to track and monitor the threadsnake’s population. Thanks to projects like Conserving Barbados’ Endemic Reptiles (CBER), the scientific community has a better idea of where the snake might still exist. With more surveys planned for the future, there’s hope that the snake’s habitat will be better understood, and strategies will be put in place to protect it.
The Barbados threadsnake. (Photo by Connor Blades)
The snake’s reproduction is another hurdle for its survival. Unlike many other species, the Barbados threadsnake lays just one egg at a time, which severely limits its population growth. Its sexual reproduction requires both male and female snakes to find each other in an environment already stressed by habitat loss. If the remaining populations aren’t carefully protected, the species could easily face extinction once again.
A Lasting Legacy?
The rediscovery of this tiny snake is a clear reminder of the delicate balance that must be maintained for island ecosystems to thrive. While its return is a hopeful sign, the threat of extinction is ever-present. The Barbados threadsnake’s survival is tied to the protection of its remaining habitat and the continued fight against invasive species that threaten the island’s fragile biodiversity.
A Barbados threadsnake photographed on a coin in 2006. The species was officially described by science by Professor Blair Hedges in 2006. (Photo courtesy of Professor Blair Hedges)
As more research is conducted, the next steps will be crucial in determining whether this rediscovered species can truly thrive in its natural environment. The hope is that the snake’s presence in Barbados serves as a wake-up call for the urgent need to preserve the island’s forests and the invaluable species that call them home.