Researchers have discovered a new species of snake in the Western Ghats in the districts of Kolhapur and Sindhudurg.
It is a burrowing snake genus melanophidium Uropeltidae and belongs to the family of snakes. All species in this group are burrowing animals that live under the earth.
The species has been named by the Pune-based herpetologist (one who studies snakes) Neelimkumar Khaire to pay tribute to his contribution to knowledge, appreciation and conservation of snakes in India.
The scientific name of the species is melanophidium khairei, while its common name is Black Shieldtail of Khaire. It is different from three other species of the same genus.
Giri has been a part of scientific expeditions have resulted in the discovery of 25 new amphibians and reptiles to date.
