The recent discovery of a tiny new snake species, named “Xylophis deepaki,” has garnered significant attention in the field of herpetology. This snake has been named in honor of the renowned Indian herpetologist, Deepak Veerappan, for his considerable contribution to the creation of a new subfamily known as Xylophiinae that accommodates wood snakes. The species is commonly referred to as ‘Deepak’s wood snake.’
Detailed Information About Xylophis Deepaki
Measuring a meager 20 cm in length and characterized by its iridescent scales, Xylophis deepaki was initially discovered on a coconut plantation in Kanyakumari. The snake is now recognized as an endemic species of Tamil Nadu. It has also been observed in various parts of the southern Western Ghats. Primarily inhabiting drier regions and lower altitudes around the Agasthyamalai hills, this snake thrives in its regional environment.
An Overview of Xylophis
Xylophis represents a small genus of snakes within the Pareidae family. The species within this genus, including Xylophis Captaini, Xylophis deepaki, Xylophis Mosaicus, Xylophis Perroteri, and Xylophis Stenorhynchus, are all endemic to the Western Ghats located in southern India. The five species make up the monotypic subfamily Xylophiinae, distinguishing themselves as the only pareidae snakes found in India and the sole representatives of the family outside Southeast Asia.
Understanding Wood Snakes
Wood snakes are non-venomous, sub-fossorial creatures typically encountered while digging soil in farms or underneath logs in Western Ghat forests. Their primary diet consists of earthworms and likely includes other invertebrates. Related species can be found in Northeast India and Southeast Asia which are predominantly arboreal, living in trees.
The Issues Facing Snakes Globally
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, an alarming 12% of assessed snake species are listed as threatened, with their populations experiencing a decline. It is estimated that approximately 2.7 million people worldwide suffer from serious snakebite envenomation annually. In response to this growing issue, the World Health Organization (WHO) has categorized snakebite as a neglected tropical disease, in a bid to reduce snakebite incidents in developing countries.
Initiatives such as ‘Save The Snakes’ are being implemented exclusively for the conservation of snake species and to mitigate human-snake conflicts.
Focus on Agasthya Hills and Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve
The Agasthya hill, part of the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve, is a 1,868-metre tall peak within the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the Western Ghats of Kerala. Straddling the border of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, the peak is named after the Hindu sage Agastya, one of the renowned seven rishis (Saptarishi) of Hindu Puranas.
The area is not only important for its diverse ecology but also serves as a pilgrimage center for devotees. On the eastern side of the range originates the perennial Thamirabarani River, which flows into the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu.
The Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve is recognized by UNESCO on its World Network of Biosphere Reserves (2016).