Rare snake species sighted in Dudhwa reserve

A rare Indian snake species - Red Coral Kukri- has been sighted in the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve (DTR) here after a gap of 82 years, park officials said Tuesday.

The snake was sighted on Monday night. The reptile was first sighted in Dudhwa in 1936 and even its zoological name 'oligodon Kheriensis' finds its roots in its Kheri-specific location.

"It is after almost 82 years that this species has been rediscovered in Dudhwa forests," said Field Director, DTR, Ramesh Kumar Pandey.

Pandey told PTI that "on Monday night, a team was patrolling in south Sonaripur range forests when about a one metre long snake clinging to railway track near Sonaripur Railway Station was sighted."
"Its bright orange colour attracted the attention of the team as this type of snake was never before sighted here," he said, adding, "Out of curiosity, he photographed the snake and recorded it."
Mahavir Kaujlagi, deputy director, DTR said, "Red Coral Kukri snake's presence in Dudhwa is enthusing though it was sighted in Katarniaghat forests seven years ago."