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Here are the key takeaways from the article about the discovery of *Vasuki indicus*, a potentially record-breaking prehistoric snake found in India. This incredible find is shedding light on India’s ancient biodiversity and the fascinating creatures that once roamed the subcontinent. Here are essential points about this magnificent reptile and what its discovery means for our understanding of prehistoric life in India.
1. **Record-Breaking Size Estimate:** Paleontologists estimate *Vasuki indicus* to have been between 10.9 to 15.2 meters (36-50 ft) long, potentially surpassing the famed Titanoboa to become the largest snake ever discovered. The discovery was made by Debajit Dutta and Sunil Bajpai from the Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, who studied 27 well-preserved fossil vertebrae.
2. **Lived in the Eocene Epoch:** *Vasuki indicus* lived approximately 47 million years ago during the Eocene Epoch, a period characterized by much warmer temperatures and lush, green forests. According to the article, this era followed 19 million years after the extinction of the dinosaurs.
3. **Part of Gondwanan Snake Family:** The newly discovered snake belongs to the Madtsoiidae family, a group of snakes that originated on the ancient landmass of Gondwana. Gondwana included present-day South America, Africa, Antarctica, Australia, New Zealand, Arabia, and the Indian subcontinent.
4. **Fossils Found in Gujarat:** The 27 vertebrae of *Vasuki indicus* were discovered in 2004 in the Panadhro Lignite Mine in Kutch, Gujarat. Initially mistaken for crocodile remains, these fossils were later identified as belonging to a snake by Datta and Bajpai’s research team.
5. **Constrictor Like Boas and Pythons:** *Vasuki indicus*, like modern boas and pythons, likely killed its prey through constriction. The fossil record for snakes is sparse, with most snake fossils known from isolated vertebrae because snake skeletons are fragile.
6. **Name Inspired by Hindu Mythology:** The generic name, Vasuki, comes from the divine serpent in Hindu mythology, known as the king of Nagas, often depicted coiling around Lord Shiva’s neck. The specific name *indicus* refers to India, the country where the fossils were discovered.
7. **Warm Temperatures Influenced Size:** According to Datta, “While high temperatures spur the development of large bodies in snakes and other cold-blooded organisms, current temperatures are rising too fast for these snakes to become as massive as they did in the past.” This suggests that the Eocene’s high temperatures contributed to the snake’s enormous size.
8. **Unanswered Questions Remain:** The discovery opens up avenues for further research into the ancient life of the Indian subcontinent. Scientists are keen to understand if it was an apex predator, its preferred prey, how its body functioned, and its interactions with the environment.
This discovery highlights the rich paleontological history of India and the incredible adaptations of ancient animals to their environments. There’s much more to learn about this magnificent snake. Read the full story here.
This text was edited with the assistance of an AI tool and has been reviewed and edited for accuracy and clarity by India Currents.