New Species of Shield-Tail Snake Discovered in Western Ghats

Scientists have discovered a new species of shield-tail snake in the Meghamalai-Munnar landscape of the Western Ghats. 

1. The new species is named Uropeltis caudomaculata, in reference to the yellow spot that it has on each side of the base of its tail.

About Shield-Tail Snake:

1. The newly discovered species of shield-tail snake is named Uropeltis caudomaculata, in reference to the yellow spot that it has on each side of the base of its tail. 
2. The new species is distinguished primarily by its increased number of ventral scales and its exclusive distribution along the eastern escarpment of the Western Ghats from Meghamalai to approximately 15 km east of Munnar. 
3. It is known to be found in only three localities: Meghamalai Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu, Periyar Tiger Reserve, and Yellapetty, Munnar in Kerala.

Key Facts about Shield-Tail Snakes:

1. Non-Venomous: These are non-venomous snakes.
2. Family: They belong to the Uropeltidae family of primitive snakes endemic to peninsular India and Sri Lanka.
3. Tail: They have a large keratinous shield at the tip of the tail, hence called shield-tailed snakes.
4. Distribution: They are found in the Western Ghats and some parts of peninsular India.
5. Habitat: They inhabit hilly forests and occupy tunnels in the leaves, humus, rocks, and logs. They are burrowing species found up to 1 foot below the soil.

Discovery:

1. The snake was originally classified as U. pulneyensis due to the similar features of both. 
2. However, researchers found substantial genetic and morphological differences upon testing specimens of Uropeltis caudomaculata in the lab.

Research Team:

The study was conducted by a team of researchers from the Natural History Museum, London, UK; Centre for Research in Emerging Tropical Diseases, University of Calicut, Kerala; Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun; and Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment, Karnataka. The team consisted of David J. Gower, Sandeep Das, V. Deepak, Jason D. Gerard, and Surya Narayanan.

Distribution:

Uropeltis caudomaculata is known to be found in only three localities: Meghamalai Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu, Periyar Tiger Reserve, and Yellapetty, Munnar in Kerala.

Significance:

1. The discovery of this new species highlights the biodiversity of the Western Ghats and the need for conservation efforts to protect the region's unique ecosystems. 
2. The study also underscores the importance of taxonomic research in understanding the diversity of life on Earth.

Implications:

1. The Western Ghats are a biodiversity hotspot, with many endemic species found nowhere else in the world. 
2. The discovery of new species in the region highlights the need for continued research and conservation efforts to protect the region's unique ecosystems. 
3. The study also has implications for our understanding of the evolution and diversity of life on Earth. 
4. The discovery of new species also highlights the importance of preserving and protecting the natural habitats of these species, which are often threatened by human activities such as deforestation, mining, and infrastructure development.

Conservation Efforts:

The discovery of this new species emphasizes the need for conservation efforts to protect the Western Ghats and its unique ecosystems. The Indian government has launched several initiatives to protect the Western Ghats, including the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel and the National Wildlife Action Plan. The discovery of new species also highlights the need for international cooperation and collaboration to protect biodiversity hotspots around the world.

 

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