Rare Snake Discoveries Reinforce Dudhwa National Park's Rich Biodiversity

Lakhimpur Kheri: discovery of two rare snake species has underscored ecological richness of Dudhwa National Park (DNP), exciting conservationists and researchers alike.

Among recent findings is Painted Keelback (Xenochrophis cerasogaster), last documented in Uttar Presh over a century ago, and a brown vine snake (Ahaetulla prasina), which h never been seen before in park's forests, according to offic...

Although non-venomous snake was discovered de -- likely trampled by wild elephants --its identification provided a significant dition to local biodiversity records.

" recovery of this snake in Dudhwa after a gap of 117 years was really a feast to eyes," Sainy said, noting that species h last been recorded in Faizab area in 1907.

discovery of brown vine snake, a mildly venomous species with a unique brown morph, occurred several months earlier. Sainy, who was collecting swamp deer pellet samples at Bankey Tal in Sonaripur range, noticed a slender, brown snake moving through nearby shrubs. "I photographed snake, took it into my lap for an on-spot observation, and later released it after documentation," he said, describing encounter. Subsequent consultations with WWF-India expert Rohit Ravi confirmed it as brown morph of 'Ahaetulla prasina', marking its first official documentation in Dudhwa. Officials have praised se discoveries for enhancing knowledge of Dudhwa's ecological diversity. "With a landscape inhabiting some of most unique and lesser-known species, Dudhwa has time and again proven to be a hotspot for new wildlife records, showcasing its ecological significance," Field Director of Dudhwa Tiger Reserve (DTR) Lalit Kumar Verma said. Verma furr noted role of 'Ahaetulla prasina' in maintaining forest ecosystems, calling it a "vital component in preserving regional biodiversity". Deputy Director Dr Rengaraju T echoed this sentiment, emphasising Dudhwa's outstanding diversity of reptiles and amphibians. " Painted Keelback is a prime example of how Dudhwa continues to reveal its secrets and rich biodiversity," he said, ding that each discovery sheds light on park's complex ecosystem and importance of ongoing conservation efforts.

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