Uncommon long-snouted vine snake rediscovered in Dudhwa Tiger Reserve

File image of Ahaetulla longirostris from Valmiki Tiger Reserve
| Photograph Credit score: Zeeshan A. Mirza by way of ResearchGate

A uncommon long-snouted vine snake (Ahaetulla longirostris) has been rediscovered within the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve in Lakhimpur Kheri, Uttar Pradesh, marking its first documented sighting within the state and solely the second recorded occasion in India, forest officers mentioned.

The invention was made on March 28 throughout a rhino launch operation within the Palia Kheri division, when a vibrant inexperienced snake emerged whereas officers had been clearing a termite mound for security, they mentioned.

Discipline biologist Vipin Kapoor Sainy and a group of researchers recognized the species.

Beforehand, Ahaetulla longirostris had solely been recorded as soon as in Bihar and Odisha final 12 months. The species is usually present in Southeast Asia, officers mentioned.

Sainy mentioned the rediscovery paves the best way for additional analysis on the species within the coming years.

The snake was fastidiously dealt with and launched into a close-by termite mound, whereas authorities determined to go away the unique mound undisturbed.

Dudhwa Tiger Reserve Discipline Director Dr. H. Raja Mohan hailed the invention as a testomony to the reserve’s ecological richness.

“Dudhwa continues to unveil its hidden treasures. The rediscovery of Ahaetulla longirostris highlights the significance of sustained analysis and habitat conservation,” he mentioned.

Dr. Rengaraju T., Conservator of Forests and Deputy Director of Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, referred to as it a momentous achievement for Indian wildlife conservation.

“The rediscovery of Ahaetulla longirostris within the Kakraha Rhino Reintroduction Space-1, South Sonaripur, underscores the ecological significance of even the smallest parts, akin to termite mounds, which offer essential shelter for uncommon species,” he mentioned.