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Terra Natura adds one of the world’s rarest snakes in major scientific milestone

Benidorm / 7 May 2026

Terra Natura Benidorm has become one of the very few wildlife parks in the world to house the elusive Trimeresurus gunaleni — a venomous arboreal viper so rarely seen that experts say there are virtually no documented specimens in public zoo collections globally.

Nicknamed the “Green Ghost of Gunalen,” the species was only scientifically identified in 2014 and originates from the remote tropical forests of Sumatra.

Rare species with scientific importance

The arrival of the snake is being described as a major milestone for the Benidorm park and for herpetological research in Europe.

According to Terra Natura, the park received a juvenile breeding pair from the National Center for Venomous Animals (CNAV), where they have remained under strict veterinary and environmental observation during quarantine.

The male specimen is now on public display.

Experts say the species is particularly important because:

Very little scientific data exists about it
It is rarely observed even in the wild
Its venom may provide future biomedical and antivenom research opportunities
Its reproductive behaviour differs from most related vipers

Unlike many species in its genus, Trimeresurus gunaleni is oviparous (egg-laying), making it especially interesting for conservation and biological study.

“Green ghost” of the rainforest

The snake is known for its striking lime-green colour with bluish tones and exceptional camouflage ability, allowing it to almost disappear among dense jungle vegetation.

Its nocturnal and highly discreet behaviour has contributed to the species remaining poorly understood by scientists since its discovery.

The name honours Indonesian herpetologist Danny Gunalen, who helped identify the species.

Research and conservation role

Terra Natura says the arrival strengthens its role in:

Wildlife conservation
Captive breeding programmes
Environmental education

Scientific collaboration involving venom research and biodiversity protection

The park plans to include the species in educational talks and conservation outreach programmes to raise awareness about lesser-known reptiles and rainforest ecosystems.

Wider trend in modern zoos

The acquisition reflects a broader shift among European wildlife parks toward conservation-focused collections rather than purely exhibition animals.

Increasingly, zoos are participating in:

Captive breeding of vulnerable species
Scientific research partnerships
Habitat conservation initiatives

Public education around biodiversity loss and climate threats

Terra Natura currently houses more than 150 animal species, many considered vulnerable or endangered.

🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

(Benidorm & surrounding areas)

Overview

This week across Benidorm, Altea, Albir, Finestrat, and La Nucía is mainly:

Weekly markets and street trading

Live music in bars and small venues

Early spring coastal tourism activity (boat trips, promenades)

Small cultural events and exhibitions

Gradual build-up toward May festivals in Benidorm

BENIDORM – Events and Activity

Markets and street life

Wednesday and Sunday main street markets (large general markets for clothing, food, and goods)
Old Town craft stalls operating in the evenings
Night markets becoming more active as tourist season builds

Cultural activity

Early preparations and signage for the Medieval Market coming soon in central Benidorm
Small pop-up performances in Old Town squares (musicians, street entertainment)

Nightlife and entertainment

Live music every night across the main strips (cover bands, tribute acts, karaoke)
DJ sets and bar entertainment increasing toward peak season
Rooftop bars and terrace venues reopening more consistently

Overall feel

Benidorm is in an active pre-summer phase with strong nightlife and steady tourist flow.

ALTEA – Cultural and coastal atmosphere

Old Town and culture
Art galleries and artisan shops open daily
Small exhibitions and cultural displays in local venues

Live music

Acoustic and low-key live music in bars around Old Town and seafront areas
Occasional weekend performances in Irish and cocktail bars

Sea activities

Boat trips operating from Altea harbour including:
Coastal cruises
Sunset sailing trips
Swimming stops depending on weather conditions

Overall feel

Quiet, scenic, and cultural with a strong focus on relaxation rather than nightlife.

ALBIR / ALFÀS DEL PI – Mixed expat and local activity

Markets

Friday weekly street market with food, clothing, and household goods
Nearby Sunday markets in Altea also attract visitors from the area

Live music

Regular pub and bar entertainment, especially in Irish and rock-themed venues
Weekly live bands and acoustic performances across multiple venues

Cultural venues

Casa de Cultura hosting small theatre events, exhibitions, and community activities
Regular local group meetings and social clubs

Overall feel

Balanced area with both relaxed daytime atmosphere and active evenings.

LA NUCÍA – Local and sporting focus

Markets

Sunday rastro (large flea market with antiques, tools, clothes, and food stalls)
Entertainment
Occasional live music in local bars, mostly weekends

Sports activity

Large sports complex hosting training camps, tournaments, and weekend events

Overall feel

Quiet residential town with activity concentrated around weekends and sports events.

FINESTRAT – Beach and market lifestyle

Markets

Tuesday and Saturday markets in La Cala area with a mix of local produce and goods

Beachfront activity

Beach bars and restaurants increasingly open in the evenings
Sunset dining season beginning again

Entertainment

Low-key live music in beachfront bars rather than organised events

Overall feel

Relaxed coastal town focused on beach life and casual evenings.

OVERALL SUMMARY

Benidorm: busiest area with nightlife, markets, and entertainment

Altea: cultural, scenic, and relaxed

Albir / Alfàs del Pi: balanced mix of live music and expat social life

La Nucía: local, quiet, and sports-focused

Finestrat: beach-oriented and low-key

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Terra Natura adds one of the world’s rarest snakes in major scientific milestone

🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

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