Researchers have documented a unique escape behaviour in the dwarf reed snake (Pseudorabdion longiceps) — cartwheeling.
The snake, found across southern Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Sumatra, Borneo, the Philippines, and adjacent islands, uses this rare escape mechanism to evade predators.
The dwarf reed snake is a small, secretive, nocturnal species, hiding in leaf litter or beneath logs and rocks during the day. It faces many predators, including birds and other snakes such as coral snakes.
While some other snake species rely on hiding or camouflage, the dwarf reed snake has developed an extraordinary method of evading danger.
Researchers documented the behaviour, which they believe evolved from the saltation, or jumping, behaviour of limbless lizards. The team observed an adult snake cartwheeling about 1.5 metres in less than five seconds, using the rolling motion to rapidly cover ground and escape predators.
The cartwheeling behaviour consists of four phases: prelaunch, primary launch, airborne, and secondary launch. The snake coils its body into an S-shape loop, throws itself off the ground, and launches itself into the air.
As the head and anterior portion of the body touched the ground, terminating the end of the airborne phase, the snake immediately coiled its neck and anterior part of the body to spring itself off the ground again, as the remaining airborne sections of the posterior end of the body and tail looped forward over the snake beyond the head.
The secondary launch phase saw the snake throw its body forwards again, pushing sections of its body against the substrate upon contact. The cartwheeling motion was sustained by the snake repeating the recoil-and-roll manoeuvre.
This cartwheeling escape behaviour has also been observed in another instance by an observer at Lenggong, Perak state, who recorded it in a video that was uploaded on to YouTube.
The movements of the P longiceps in this observation fit both the “active” and “passive” forms of rolling observed in nature. Rolling, as a form of movement, is rare in nature and appears to be a secondary form of motion in all known organisms that employ it.
In active rolling, the organism expends its own energy to achieve the rolling movement and is capable of exerting control over its rolling, moving in specific directions. In contrast, passive rolling requires external forces, such as wind or gravity, to drive the movement.
Defensive and escape strategies
In addition to active cartwheeling to escape predators, P longiceps and other snakes may employ other defensive strategies. These may include:
Camouflage: Many snakes have evolved colouration and patterning that help them blend into their surroundings, making them less noticeable to predators.
Hissing and puffing: Some snakes will hiss or puff up their bodies to make themselves appear larger and more intimidating when confronted by a potential predator.
Venom: Many snakes possess venom, which they use to subdue prey and deter predators. The venom can cause various symptoms, ranging from mild to severe, and can even be lethal in some cases.
Striking and biting: When threatened, snakes may strike or bite in self-defence. Even non-venomous snakes can deliver a painful bite, which may deter predators.
Tail rattling: Some snakes, like rattlesnakes, have a specialised tail structure that produces a rattling sound when vibrated. This warns potential predators that the snake is dangerous and should be avoided.
Playing dead: Certain snakes, such as the North American hognose snake, will play dead when threatened. They will roll on to their backs, open their mouths, and emit a foul-smelling musk to make themselves appear unappealing to predators.
Mimicry: Some snakes, like the harmless milk snake, have evolved to closely resemble venomous species, such as the coral snake. This mimicry can help deter predators who mistake them for their more dangerous counterparts.
Burrowing and hiding: Snakes may choose to hide in burrows, crevices, or under vegetation to avoid detection by predators. This strategy allows them to stay out of sight and reduce the likelihood of being attacked.
Fast and agile movement: Many snake species have evolved to be fast and agile, allowing them to quickly escape from potential threats. Speed and manoeuvrability can be crucial for survival in the face of predators.
Social behaviour: Some snakes, like the garter snake, may form aggregations or “knots” for warmth and protection. These gatherings can help deter predators, as the mass of snakes may be too overwhelming to attack.
By employing these various strategies, snakes like P longiceps have evolved to survive and avoid predation in their natural environments. These adaptations are essential for their continued existence and success in the animal kingdom.
Dubai Rugby Sevens
November 30-December 2, at The Sevens, Dubai
Gulf Under 19
Pool A – Abu Dhabi Harlequins, Jumeirah College Tigers, Dubai English Speaking School 1, Gems World Academy
Pool B – British School Al Khubairat, Bahrain Colts, Jumeirah College Lions, Dubai English Speaking School 2
Pool C - Dubai College A, Dubai Sharks, Jumeirah English Speaking School, Al Yasmina
Pool D – Dubai Exiles, Dubai Hurricanes, Al Ain Amblers, Deira International School
Children who witnessed blood bath want to help others
Aged just 11, Khulood Al Najjar’s daughter, Nora, bravely attempted to fight off Philip Spence. Her finger was injured when she put her hand in between the claw hammer and her mother’s head.
As a vital witness, she was forced to relive the ordeal by police who needed to identify the attacker and ensure he was found guilty.
Now aged 16, Nora has decided she wants to dedicate her career to helping other victims of crime.
“It was very horrible for her. She saw her mum, dying, just next to her eyes. But now she just wants to go forward,” said Khulood, speaking about how her eldest daughter was dealing with the trauma of the incident five years ago. “She is saying, 'mama, I want to be a lawyer, I want to help people achieve justice'.”
Khulood’s youngest daughter, Fatima, was seven at the time of the attack and attempted to help paramedics responding to the incident.
“Now she wants to be a maxillofacial doctor,” Khulood said. “She said to me ‘it is because a maxillofacial doctor returned your face, mama’. Now she wants to help people see themselves in the mirror again.”
Khulood’s son, Saeed, was nine in 2014 and slept through the attack. While he did not witness the trauma, this made it more difficult for him to understand what had happened. He has ambitions to become an engineer.
Who are the Soroptimists?
The first Soroptimists club was founded in Oakland, California in 1921. The name comes from the Latin word soror which means sister, combined with optima, meaning the best.
The organisation said its name is best interpreted as ‘the best for women’.
Since then the group has grown exponentially around the world and is officially affiliated with the United Nations. The organisation also counts Queen Mathilde of Belgium among its ranks.
Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request
In The Heights
Directed by: Jon M. Chu
Stars: Anthony Ramos, Lin-Manual Miranda
Rating: ****
Kathryn Hawkes of House of Hawkes on being a good guest (because we’ve all had bad ones)
- Arrive with a thank you gift, or make sure you have one for your host by the time you leave.
- Offer to buy groceries, cook them a meal or take your hosts out for dinner.
- Help out around the house.
- Entertain yourself so that your hosts don’t feel that they constantly need to.
- Leave no trace of your stay – if you’ve borrowed a book, return it to where you found it.
- Offer to strip the bed before you go.
Cricket World Cup League Two
Teams
Oman, UAE, Namibia
Al Amerat, Muscat
Results
Oman beat UAE by five wickets
UAE beat Namibia by eight runs
Namibia beat Oman by 52 runs
UAE beat Namibia by eight wickets
Fixtures
Saturday January 11 - UAE v Oman
Sunday January 12 – Oman v Namibia
The candidates
Dr Ayham Ammora, scientist and business executive
Ali Azeem, business leader
Tony Booth, professor of education
Lord Browne, former BP chief executive
Dr Mohamed El-Erian, economist
Professor Wyn Evans, astrophysicist
Dr Mark Mann, scientist
Gina MIller, anti-Brexit campaigner
Lord Smith, former Cabinet minister
Sandi Toksvig, broadcaster
Napoleon
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Super Saturday results
4pm: Mahab Al Shimaal Group 3 | US$350,000 | (Dirt) | 1,200m
Winner: Drafted, Pat Dobbs (jockey), Doug Watson (trainer).
4.35pm: Al Bastakiya Listed | $300,000 | (D) | 1,900m
Winner: Divine Image, Brett Doyle, Charlie Appleby.
5.10pm: Nad Al Sheba Turf Group 3 | $350,000 | (Turf) | 1,200m
Winner: Blue Point, William Buick, Charlie Appleby.
5.45pm: Burj Nahaar Group 3 | $350,000 | (D) | 1,600m
Winner: Muntazah, Jim Crowley, Doug Watson.
6.20pm: Dubai City of Gold Group 2 | $300,000 | (T) | 2,410m
Winner: Old Persian, William Buick, Charlie Appleby.
6.55pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round 3 Group 1 | $600,000 | (D) | 2,000m
Winner: Capezzano, Mickael Barzalona, Salem bin Ghadayer.
7.30pm: Jebel Hatta Group 1 | $400,000 | (T) | 1,800m
Winner: Dream Castle, Christophe Soumillon, Saeed bin Suroor.
RACECARD
%3Cp%3E5pm%3A%20Al%20Shamkha%20%E2%80%93%20Maiden%20(PA)%20Dh80%2C000%20(Turf)%201%2C400m%0D%3Cbr%3E5.30pm%3A%20Khalifa%20City%20%E2%80%93%20Handicap%20(PA)%20Dh80%2C000%20(T)%201%2C400m%0D%3Cbr%3E6pm%3A%20Masdar%20City%20%E2%80%93%20Handicap%20(PA)%20Dh80%2C000%20(T)%201%2C600m%0D%3Cbr%3E6.30pm%3A%20Wathba%20Stallions%20Cup%20%E2%80%93%20Handicap%20(PA)%20Dh70%2C000%20(T)%202%2C200m%0D%3Cbr%3E7pm%3A%20Emirates%20Championship%20%E2%80%93%20Group%201%20(PA)%20Dh1%2C000%2C000%20(T)%202%2C200m%0D%3Cbr%3E7.30pm%3A%20Shakbout%20City%20%E2%80%93%20Handicap%20(TB)%20Dh80%2C000%20(T)%202%2C400m%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
UAE Tour 2020
Stage 1: The Pointe Palm Jumeirah - Dubai Silicon Oasis, 148km
Stage 2: Hatta - Hatta Dam, 168km
Stage 3: Al Qudra Cycle Track - Jebel Hafeet, 184km
Stage 4: Zabeel Park - Dubai City Walk, 173km
Stage 5: Al Ain - Jebel Hafeet, 162km
Stage 6: Al Ruwais - Al Mirfa, 158km
Stage 7: Al Maryah Island - Abu Dhabi Breakwater, 127km
The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2.0-litre%20turbocharged%204-cyl%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E8-speed%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E300bhp%20(GT)%20330bhp%20(Modena)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E450Nm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDh299%2C000%20(GT)%2C%20Dh369%2C000%20(Modena)%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Enow%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Saudi Cup race day
Schedule in UAE time
5pm: Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors Cup (Turf), 5.35pm: 1351 Cup (T), 6.10pm: Longines Turf Handicap (T), 6.45pm: Obaiya Arabian Classic for Purebred Arabians (Dirt), 7.30pm: Jockey Club Handicap (D), 8.10pm: Samba Saudi Derby (D), 8.50pm: Saudia Sprint (D), 9.40pm: Saudi Cup (D)
