Historic Discovery: Yunnan Keelback Snake Found in India for the First Time

A significant biological discovery has been made with the first confirmed presence of the Yunnan Keelback snake in India by scientists from the Zoological Survey of India. Their research linked colonial-era collections with contemporary biodiversity studies, highlighting the continued relevance of museum specimens in modern science.

In a groundbreaking development connecting historical collections with present-day biodiversity research, the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) has confirmed the presence of the Yunnan Keelback snake in India. This marks the first verified record of the species within the country's borders.

The Yunnan Keelback, a non-venomous species indigenous to parts of Asia, was initially identified by naturalist Dr. John Anderson during the 1868 Yunnan Expedition. His work laid the groundwork for ZSI researchers, who recently designated one of his original specimens as a 'Lectotype', solidifying its classification.

The discovery underscores the enduring value of museum collections, as reiterated by Dr. Pratyush P. Mohapatra of ZSI. The organisation is now intensifying faunal surveys across India's frontier states to document and discover further wildlife species, collaborating with the Indian Army to enhance biodiversity exploration efforts along the nation's borders.

(With inputs from agencies.)