https://indianmasterminds.com

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

First-Ever Long-Snouted Vine Snake Spotted in UP’s Dudhwa Tiger Reserve!

A rare long-snouted vine snake (Ahaetulla longirostris) was spotted for the first time in Uttar Pradesh’s Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, marking a significant milestone for biodiversity and wildlife conservation in India, with future research expected.
Indian Masterminds Stories

On March 28th, a remarkable discovery was made at Dudhwa Tiger Reserve (DTR), located in Lakhimpur Kheri, the largest district in Uttar Pradesh. A rare long-snouted vine snake, scientifically known as Ahaetulla longirostris, was spotted – marking the first-ever documentation of this species in the state and only the second time it has been recorded in the country.

The elusive snake was found in the Kakrah area of the South Sonaripur Range (RRA-1) during a rhino-free-ranging operation. The photos of this extraordinary find have since gone viral, sparking widespread excitement among wildlife experts and nature enthusiasts alike.

The significance of this discovery can be fully appreciated when considering that DTR officials are preparing to publish it in several renowned scientific journals worldwide. All necessary preparations for this have been completed, and experts believe it will be a significant contribution to the scientific community. This discovery will pave the way for further research, which is crucial for understanding and preserving biodiversity.

To delve deeper into the importance of this find for ecology and biodiversity, Indian Masterminds spoke with Dr. H Raja Mohan, the 2001 batch IFS officer and current Field Director of DTR, and Mr. Lalit Kumar Verma, the 1996 batch IFS officer and former Field Director of DTR.

HOW IT WAS FOUND

A campaign was underway to release rhinos into the Palia-Kheri division of DTR, and to ensure their safety, the forest department team was conducting a thorough inspection of the surrounding land. During this process, an excavator was used to remove a termite mound when, suddenly, a bright green snake emerged. The officials were left stunned by the snake’s vibrant color and unusual size.

Its elongated snout, striking green coloration, and unique features immediately set it apart from other snakes. Field biologists quickly confirmed its identity, marking the first official record of this species in Uttar Pradesh.

With the snake’s safety in mind, the forest officials carefully relocated it to a nearby termite mound, ensuring it remained in its natural environment. The original mound was left undisturbed to protect the other organisms and the surrounding ecosystem.

Mr Mohan remarked, “This species is extremely rare, and its discovery is of great significance. It highlights the richness of DTR’s biodiversity. This species is both endemic and scarce, but thanks to the excellent protection and habitat here, it continues to survive.”

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF DISCOVERY

The food source for such rare species is equally rare—specific insects that only thrive in certain environments. These species will only be found where these particular insects exist. Therefore, the discovery of both these rare insects and species in DTR holds immense significance. It underscores the rich biodiversity and the exceptional ecosystem of DTR.

This rediscovery highlights the remarkable biodiversity of Dudhwa and reinforces the importance of habitat conservation to protect these elusive species. It also demonstrates the critical role even small patches of forest, such as termite mounds, play in supporting rare species. This is a major milestone in Indian wildlife conservation.

Mr Lalit said, “Biodiversity simply means that the greater the diversity of species, the more beneficial it is for the entire ecosystem. This is a very encouraging discovery, especially for the Dudhwa Terai Landscape. It’s a big surprise for everyone and further validates the pristine management of DTR.”

WHY SNAKE ARE NECESSARY

Snakes play a crucial role in our ecosystem, perhaps one of the most important. They help control populations of harmful animals, such as rodents, which are part of their diet. By keeping these populations in check, snakes maintain a balance in the environment.

An increase in the variety of animals and biodiversity is a sign of a healthy ecosystem. As the diversity of species improves, it benefits the area at many levels, showcasing that a suitable environment has been created where various species can thrive.

Mr. Lalit said, “Snakes occupy a vital position in the ecological food chain. They are interconnected with other species in a delicate balance – each depending on the other. Therefore, snakes, whether wild or otherwise, are essential to maintaining ecological harmony. Without them, the entire balance of the ecosystem would be disrupted.”

THE RARE SNAKE

The snake discovered was a sub-adult, meaning it wasn’t fully a baby nor completely an adult. These snakes can grow up to four feet long and are typically bright green or orange-brown, with an orange belly. Their slender bodies and vine-like structure have earned them the name “vine snake.” This appearance allows them to blend seamlessly into trees, making them difficult to spot.

It mainly lives on trees and can easily hide among the branches and leaves. One of the most distinctive features of this snake is its long snout, which sets it apart from other vine snakes.

Additionally, the snake has enlarged teeth or fangs located at the back of its upper jaw, unlike vipers or cobras, which have fangs in the front of their jaws. This adaptation helps with venom delivery.

FIRST SPOTTING

The species, Ahaetulla longirostris, was first recorded in India in Bihar and Meghalaya in 2024. The discovery dates back to December 2021, when scientists Saurabh Verma and Soham Patekar were walking through the Valmiki Tiger Reserve in Bihar. During their walk, they came across a dead snake with a 4-foot-long body and a distinctive long snout. This unusual find piqued their interest. After conducting DNA testing, field surveys, and detailed analysis, they confirmed that the snake was a previously unknown species of vine snake. Their groundbreaking discovery was published in 2024. This species is primarily found in Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos.

Mr. Mohan said, “Another species of vine snake was also discovered in Dudhwa a few years ago. This area has always been a favorable habitat for such species.”


Indian Masterminds Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Related Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
NEWS
NBCC BADMINTON
NBCC Supports Para-Badminton Star Munna Khalid with Specialized Wheelchair to Boost Training & Performance
Private Industry HAL
Private Industry Joins the Cockpit: VEM Technologies Delivers First Centre Fuselage for LCA Tejas Mk1A to HAL
NDA Women Batch
Historic Day at NDA: First-Ever Batch of Female Cadets Passes Out, 17 Female Cadets Graduate From NDA
NBCC
Result: NBCC (India) Q4FY25 Net Profit Jumps 22.5% to Rs 182.6 Cr, Revenue Grows 16.2%; Final Dividend Recommended
Tiger dudhwa
Tigress Tranquilised After Deadly Attacks in Ranthambore; Rajasthan Govt Sets Up Monitoring Committee - Check All Details
Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd
GRSE Signs Contract for Major Refit of Lightship ‘Indira Point’ - Details Inside
Shri Manohar Lal Lays Foundation Stone for 1000-Seater Auditorium in UP
Manohar Lal Lays Foundation Stone for 1000-Seater Auditorium in Siddharthnagar, Backed by REC’s ₹7.02 Cr CSR Grant
Suspension
Senior IAS Officer Vinay Kumar Choubey Suspended Over Liquor Scam in Jharkhand - Know the Case
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
IAS Tushar G Nikhare
Modernising Governance: A Digital Transformation in Gangtok
IMG-20250523-WA0036
Abhishek Singh's SECRET: Vipassana, Anthropology & Smart Answer Writing | Video Interview 
Madhav Agarwal UPSC
From Gwalior to the Top 20: What Drove Finance Pro Madhav Agarwal to Crack UPSC CSE 2024 with AIR 16? | Exclusive
ADVERTISEMENT
UPSC Stories
Jogender Sihag
“I Cleared UPSC, But My Grandfather isn’t Here to Hear it,” Jogender Sihag, AIR 521, UPSC CSE 2024
"Life is short; make the most of it, whether in civil service or any other field. Just have a clear vision...
WhatsApp Image 2025-05-28 at 18.56
Didn’t Clear UPSC But Found Something Greater: A Story That Will Change How You See Success
She left a top finance job for UPSC, did not clear but built a thriving wellness brand instead. Veda's...
Mayank Malviya IFS mENTOR
The Amazing Journey of a Failed IFS Aspirant-cum-Mentor Who Has Given More Than 130 Selections in Just 4 Years
From multiple UPSC failures to mentoring 130+ successful aspirants, Mayank Malviya’s Planet Geo empowers...
Social Media
parveen kaswan elephant
Elephant Outsmarts Electric Fence! IFS Parveen Kaswan Shares Incredible Video!
In the now-viral 51-second clip, the intelligent giant approaches a wooden pole supporting high-voltage...
UPSC Latest IAS IPS IFS
UPSC CSE Prelims 2025 Tomorrow: ICLS Officer Altap Shaikh Shares Last-Minute Motivation for Aspirants
His five-post thread offers encouragement, practical advice, and emotional support - not just for those...
Anupam Sharma IFS
#BoycottTurkey: IFS Officer Anupam Sharma Sparks Nationalist Call to Action
IFS Sharma urged citizens to avoid Turkish agricultural imports
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Latest
NBCC BADMINTON
NBCC Supports Para-Badminton Star Munna Khalid with Specialized Wheelchair to Boost Training & Performance
Private Industry HAL
Private Industry Joins the Cockpit: VEM Technologies Delivers First Centre Fuselage for LCA Tejas Mk1A to HAL
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
IAS Tushar G Nikhare
IMG-20250523-WA0036
Madhav Agarwal UPSC
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT