Daily Current Affairs / New Shieldtail Snake Species 'Rhinophis siruvaniensis' Discovered in Kerala
Category : Miscellaneous Published on: December 13 2025
A previously unknown shieldtail snake, Rhinophis siruvaniensis, has been formally described in 2025, a decade after its first sighting on a plantation in Kerala’s Palakkad district. Belonging to the non-venomous Uropeltidae family, the species exhibits unique scales, colour patterns and a dome-shaped tail tip. Discovered through citizen-led observations and confirmed via mitochondrial DNA, it highlights the Siruvani Hills’ rich biodiversity. Scientists emphasise continued research, nuclear DNA analysis, and citizen participation to safeguard these burrowing snakes amid environmental and climate threats.
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