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Maharashtra: New species of snake discovered in Western Ghats
Updated On: 22 August, 2023 10:38 PM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet Jadhav
Researchers have named the genius ‘Sahyadriophis’, derived from the Sanskrit term `Sahyadri` and the Greek word `ophis’ meaning snake
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Pic/Thackeray Wildlife Foundation
A TEAM of researchers from the Thackeray Wildlife Foundation has made a significant breakthrough in the field of herpetology. Led by Harshil Patel and Tejas Uddhav Thackeray, the team has identified a new genus and species of snake in the rich ecosystem of the Western Ghats. This area—known for its diverse plant and animal life—has revealed the mysterious `Sahyadriophis` genus. The name comes from the Sanskrit term `Sahyadri`, referring to the Western Ghats, and the Greek word `ophis’, meaning snake.
The discovery was made during extensive surveys conducted by the Thackeray Wildlife Foundation to study the variety of life in the Western Ghats. Patel and Thackeray found that the Beddomme`s keelback—which resides in the Pune district and southern parts of the Western Ghats—actually consists of two separate species. This surprising find led to further research, backed by data from the Natural History Museum and the Bombay Natural History Society. Advanced scans and molecular data confirmed the existence of two species and introduced a completely new genus, unique to the Western Ghats.
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