Forestry Officers Rediscover Afro-Asian Sand Snake in Kutch After 150 Years
Forestry workers in India have rediscovered an Afro-Asian sand snake in the Kutch district, marking the first verified sighting of the semi-venomous reptile in the region since 1872, detikInet reported. The discovery occurred on the night of September 6 as forest staff returned from a patrol near Kala Dungar, the highest point in Kutch.
Patrol Team Spots Rare Reptile Near Kala Dungar
Jayesh Dumadiya and his team were handling a common black-headed royal snake encountered during their patrol when their attention shifted to an unfamiliar reptile on the road. Dumadiya photographed and recorded the creature, sending the media files to wildlife experts, snake rescuers, and scientists for identification, according to reports. Subsequent analysis by scientists confirmed the animal was an Afro-Asian sand snake, a species not officially recorded in Kutch for more than a century and a half.
Historical Records and Specimens from the 1870s
Forest Conservator Dheeraj Mittal noted that the last documented appearance of the species in the area dates back to the 1870s, during an expedition by naturalist Ferdinand Stoliczka to collect zoological specimens across India. Mittal described the recent physical verification as a major milestone that bridges historical records from 1872. While Lensa Hukum noted that two or three unconfirmed sightings had been reported over the decades, none had received official verification until now.
Kala Dungar snake sighting proves Kutch biodiversity
According to India Today, the Afro-Asian sand snake is well adapted to dry and arid landscapes, where it hunts small prey such as rodents and lizards. Forestry authorities plan to submit formal documentation of the Kala Dungar sighting to peer-reviewed scientific journals. Officials state that the discovery proves the rich biodiversity of Kutch's harsh environment, demonstrating that arid regions require ongoing research and targeted conservation protections.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Kutch Snake Discovery
Who discovered the Afro-Asian sand snake in Kutch?
Forestry worker Jayesh Dumadiya and his patrol team discovered the reptile on the night of September 6 while returning from patrol near Kala Dungar.
When was the last confirmed sighting of this species in the region?
The last verified records of the Afro-Asian sand snake in Kutch date back to the 1870s, during zoological expeditions conducted by naturalist Ferdinand Stoliczka.
What do Afro-Asian sand snakes eat in arid environments?
According to India Today, these semi-venomous snakes prey on small animals, including rodents and lizards, allowing them to thrive in dry and gersang habitats.
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