A new species of shield tail snake has been discovered in the Western Ghats mountains of India by a team of researchers. This particular snake was found in the Siruvani Hills, located in the Central and Western Ghats mountains. It belongs to the family Uropeltidae, commonly known as shield tail snakes due to their unique feature of having a thick, flattened tail that is strengthened by keratin for burrowing and defense purposes.
5 Invertebrate-Eating Snakes
This newly discovered species stands out from its relatives due to its distinct biogeography and molecular phylogenetics. It boasts a lustrous dark brownish-black color with creamy white undersides adorned with irregular patches and brownish-black blotches. Juveniles measure between 120-140mm while adults can reach up to 304mm (one foot) in length.
Head (left) and tail (right) of the holotype (BNHS 3387) of Rhinophis siruvaniensis sp. nov.,shown in dorsal (A,D),ventral (B,E),and lateral (C,F) views.Images are not to scale. Photographs by VPC.
this species is currently only known to exist in the Siruvani Hills area, but further surveys are recommended in the Attappadi region and wetter areas of Anaikatti Hills. Its preferred habitat is wet evergreen forests that also feature villages and spice plantations. The specimens studied were found in a coffee plantation while others were discovered under fallen logs and rocks.
Rhinophis siruvaniensis sp. nov. in life. Paratype VPRS0622157 showing adult coloration (A) (Photograph by Nitin Xavier) and referred specimen VPRS0720116 showing juvenile coloration (B) (Photograph by UPK).
The complete paper detailing this new species, titled “A new species of Rhinophis Hemprich,1820(Squamata,Uropeltidae) from Siruvani Hills, Western Ghats, India” can be found on the Evolutionary Systematics website. The team of researchers responsible for this finding includes Vivek Philip Cyriac, P.K. Umesh, N.S. Achyuthan, Vidisha Kulkarni, and S.R. Ganesh from the Center for Ecological Sciences at the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru, India; Wayanad Wild CGH Earth Experience in Wayanad, India; and Kalinga Foundation in shivamogga, India.
Wow, truly fascinating! Can’t wait to learn more about this new discovery.