A rare species of snake, last reported in 1936, was recently rescued from a village field near Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, officials said on Monday. The snake, identified as Oligodon kheriensis and commonly known as the Red Coral Kukri, is distinguished by its reddish-orange colour and sharp, kukri-shaped teeth. Though non-venomous, it is considered extremely rare in India, with sightings largely confined to the Terai region.
Forest department officials rescued the reptile and released it into the reserve under the supervision of Deputy Director Manish Singh. “This is a significant find, as the species was first sighted in Dudhwa nearly 89 years ago in 1936 and has since been reported only on rare occasions,” Singh said.
The snake was initially spotted in the Mahof range of Pilibhit Tiger Reserve by villagers, who alerted naturalist Mohammad Qasim. He confirmed the species and informed the forest department, prompting the rescue operation.
Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, located in Uttar Pradesh’s Terai belt, is known for its rich biodiversity. While it is primarily famous for its tiger population, the reserve also provides a habitat for numerous rare and endangered species, including leopards, swamp deer, and gharials. The discovery of the Red Coral Kukri highlights the reserve’s growing ecological significance.
“This incident underscores the importance of conserving such habitats, where even species not seen for decades can survive,” Singh added.
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