New Snake species found in India with dozens of teeth named after Leonardo DiCaprio; Know why
New Delhi: A team of researchers from India, Germany, and the United Kingdom has discovered a new snake species in the western Himalayas, which has been named ‘Anguiculus dicaprioi’ or DiCaprio’s Himalayan snake, in honour of Hollywood actor and environmentalist Leonardo DiCaprio. The recognition is a tribute to DiCaprio’s significant contributions to environmental conservation.
The new species, identified in 2020 as part of a research project focused on India’s reptiles, was officially documented in Scientific Reports, a peer-reviewed journal, on Monday. Researchers classified the species under a newly established genus called ‘Anguiculus’, which translates to "small snake" in Latin.
Explaining the rationale behind the species’ name, the study noted that DiCaprio has been instrumental in raising awareness about critical environmental issues such as global climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution’s impact on human health. His involvement in conservation efforts through funding for field research and awareness campaigns has also been highlighted. The common name for the species is ‘DiCaprio’s Himalayan snake’.
The research team, led by HT Lalremsanga, a professor in Mizoram University’s zoology department, made the discovery in Himachal Pradesh’s mountainous regions, specifically in Chamba and Kullu. While searching for lesser-known snake species, they encountered a few brown-coloured snakes basking on a mud road. According to the researchers, the snakes remained motionless when approached and exhibited no signs of aggression.
Upon conducting a detailed study, including DNA analysis and comparison with other known snake species, the team identified the new species. In addition to Himachal Pradesh, ‘Anguiculus dicaprioi’ has also been found in Nainital, Uttarakhand, and Chitwan National Park in Nepal.
The new species is described as small-sized, growing to around 22 inches, and has a distinctive broad collar with dark brown spots, a robust skull, and a steeply domed snout. The species inhabits altitudes of around 6,000 feet above sea level and has a set of dozens of teeth.
Other team members involved in the discovery include Zeeshan A Mirza, Virender K Bhardwaj, Saunak Pal, Gernot Vogel, Patrick D Campbell, and Harshil Patel.
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Man dragged into river by crocodile in Vadodara; search ops underway
Vadodara (PTI): A 22-year-old man was dragged into a river by a crocodile in Gujarat's Vadodara district on Thursday and search operations are currently underway to locate him, a police official said.
The incident took place at 1:30pm when Mithun Vasava, a resident of Kagdipara village, had gone to take a dip in Dev river amid the stifling heat, the official told PTI.
"The crocodile suddenly attacked the man and dragged him into the river. Search operations are currently underway to locate Vasava," the official added.
