Lakhimpur Kheri: A rare long-snouted vine snake (Ahaetulla longirostris) has been rediscovered in the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve here, marking its first documented sighting in the state and only the second recorded instance in India, forest officials said. The discovery was made on March 28 during a rhino release operation in the Palia Kheri division, when a vibrant green snake emerged while officials were clearing a termite mound for safety, they said.
Field biologist Vipin Kapoor Sainy and a team of researchers identified the species. Previously, Ahaetulla longirostris had only been recorded once in Bihar and Odisha last year. The species is commonly found in Southeast Asia, officials said. Sainy said the rediscovery paves the way for further research on the species in the coming years.
The snake was carefully handled and released into a nearby termite mound, while authorities decided to leave the original mound undisturbed.
Dudhwa Tiger Reserve Field Director Dr. H. Raja Mohan hailed the discovery as a testament to the reserve's ecological richness. "Dudhwa continues to unveil its hidden treasures. The rediscovery of Ahaetulla longirostris highlights the importance of sustained research and habitat conservation,” he said.
Dr. Rengaraju T., Conservator of Forests and Deputy Director of Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, called it a momentous achievement for Indian wildlife conservation.
"The rediscovery of Ahaetulla longirostris in the Kakraha Rhino Reintroduction Area-1, South Sonaripur, underscores the ecological significance of even the smallest components, such as termite mounds, which provide crucial shelter for rare species," he said.
When similar incident reported from Bihar
In 2021, Sourabh Verma and Soham Pattekar travelled to a village in Bihar located near a nature reserve, as detailed in a study published in September in the peer-reviewed Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity. The region’s biodiversity, particularly its amphibians and reptiles, had been largely overlooked and inadequately studied. While there, the duo stumbled upon a dead snake, according to the report. Though the cause of the snake’s death remained unclear, something about it piqued their curiosity-- it didn’t resemble any recognized species. Subsequent DNA testing revealed surprising connections: the snake's genetic profile matched that of two snakes found nearly 700 miles away. Further surveys and detailed analysis ultimately validated their initial hunch.
(With inputs from agency)