Scientists discover five new snake species in Panama's forests. One of them, with eyes like smoldering coals, was named DiCaprio's snake, according to Live Science..

“These new snake species are just the tip of the iceberg in terms of discovering new species in this region.. But if illegal mining [of gold and copper] continues at the same pace, it may not be possible to make any discoveries in the future,” said lead author Alejandro Arteaga..

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Title S. Irmelindicapriae was given to actor and conservationist Leonardo DiCaprio, who asked scientists to name a new species after his mother.. DiCaprio's snake is 38 centimeters long and lives mainly in palm trees at a height of about three meters above the ground, feeding on snails and slugs. The snake protects itself not with bites, but with a ring around its head and emitting an unpleasant smell..

The other four new species described in the study include the snail-eating snake (Sibon canopy), the Marley snail-eating snake (Sibon marleyae), the Vieira snail-eating snake (Sibon vieirai), and the Welborn snail-eating snake (Dipsas welborni).

Scientists have previously said that Rice's whales, a species that was discovered only last year, are already on the verge of extinction.. At the moment, 51 individuals of this species are known..