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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Sanjay Raut demands re-election, alleges irregularities in EVMs during Maharashtra polls
Mumbai, Nov 25: Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Monday demanded a re-election in Maharashtra using ballot papers, claiming there were irregularities with the electronic voting machines (EVMs).
Talking to reporters, Raut alleged several complaints about EVMs malfunctioning and questioned the integrity of the recently held elections.
The BJP-led Mahayuti won 230 out of 288 seats in the assembly elections, while the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi managed 46 seats, with Shiv Sena (UBT) winning just 20 out of 95 seats it contested.
"We have received nearly 450 complaints regarding EVMs. Despite raising objections repeatedly, no action has been taken on these issues. How can we say these elections were conducted fairly? Hence, I demand that the results be set aside and elections be held again using ballot papers," Raut said.
Citing some instances, he said a candidate in Nashik reportedly received only four votes despite having 65 votes from his family, while in Dombivli, discrepancies were found in EVM tallies, and election officials refused to acknowledge the objections.
The Sena (UBT) leader also questioned the credibility of the landslide victories of some candidates, saying, "What revolutionary work have they done to receive more than 1.5 lakh votes? Even leaders who recently switched parties have become MLAs. This raises suspicions. For the first time, a senior leader like Sharad Pawar has expressed doubts about EVMs, which cannot be ignored."
Asked about the MVA's poor performance in the elections, Raut rejected the idea of blaming a single individual.
"We fought as a united MVA. Even a leader like Sharad Pawar, who commands immense respect in Maharashtra, faced defeat. This shows that we need to analyse the reasons behind the failure. One of the reasons is EVM irregularities and the misuse of the system, unconstitutional practices, and even judicial decisions left unresolved by Justice Chandrachud," he said.
Raut stressed that though internal differences might have existed within the MVA, the failure was collective.
He also accused the Mahayuti of conducting the elections in an unfair manner.
"I cannot call the elections fair given the numerous reports of discrepancies in EVMs, mismatched numbers, and vote irregularities across the state," Raut said.
