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A newly discovered snake species in the Himalayas has been named 'Anguiculus dicaprioi' in honor of renowned actor and environmentalist Leonardo DiCaprio. The discovery, made during a three-year investigation led by a team of researchers, reveals a previously unknown genus and species of snake endemic to the Himalayan region. The snake, 'Anguiculus dicaprioi', is found from central Nepal to Himachal Pradesh, while a related species, 'Anguiculus rappii', is found in Sikkim, Bhutan, and Arunachal Pradesh. These snakes are active from late May to August, and their biology remains largely unknown.
The initial discovery was made by Virender Bhardwaj in the backyard of his home in the western Himalayas during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. He posted pictures of the snake on social media, sparking a scientific investigation. While the snake initially resembled the known species 'Liopeltis rappi', further analysis, including examination of specimens from museums and DNA sequencing, revealed significant differences. These differences, particularly in the snake's head scales and color patterns, led to the conclusion that it was a new species belonging to a new genus.
The research paper, published in the journal Scientific Reports, highlights the importance of the discovery in resolving a long-standing taxonomic confusion regarding the genera Liopeltis and Gongylosoma. It provides a revised classification of these genera, which are distributed across Asia. The paper also emphasizes the poor documentation of herpetofauna in the western Himalayas. Preliminary surveys suggest that the region's biodiversity has been significantly underestimated, and further exploration is necessary to understand the full extent of its herpetofauna.
The naming of 'Anguiculus dicaprioi' after Leonardo DiCaprio reflects the actor's dedication to environmentalism and raising awareness about climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. The discovery highlights the importance of continued research and conservation efforts to protect the biodiversity of the Himalayas and other vulnerable ecosystems around the world.
Source: New Himalayan Snake Species Named After Hollywood Actor Leonardo DiCaprio