Rare Sand Snake Spotted in Kutch After 150 Years: See Photos
An Afro-Asian sand snake has been photographed in Gujarat's Kutch after more than 150 years, reviving a species record dating back to the 19th century.
A rare Afro-Asian sand snake has been photographed in Gujarat's Kutch region for the first time in more than 150 years, reviving a species record that dates back to the 19th century.
The snake was spotted on September 6 near Kala Dungar, close to Bhuj, during a routine forest patrol. Range Forest Officer Jayesh Dumadiya and his team noticed the unfamiliar reptile on a road while returning from patrol. Dumadiya photographed and recorded the snake before sharing the images and video with experts for identification.
Experts identified the reptile as the Afro-Asian sand snake, also known as the Schokari Sand Racer. The species is adapted to dry and arid habitats and is known to occur in parts of Gujarat and Rajasthan. It is mildly venomous and generally poses little threat to humans, feeding mainly on smaller animals such as lizards and rodents.
The last confirmed records from Kutch date back to 1871 and 1872, when Czech naturalist Ferdinand Stoliczka collected specimens during surveys of the region. Although possible sightings were reported later, officials said none had been conclusively confirmed.
The latest observation provides a modern photographic record of the species in Kutch and highlights the biodiversity of the region's desert and scrubland habitats.
Forest officials are expected to document the discovery further and publish details in scientific journals, potentially adding new information to the natural history of Kutch.
