​New Shield-Tail Snake Species Discovered in Western Ghats

Recently, a new shield-tail snake species, Uropeltis caudomaculata, has been discovered in the Meghamalai-Munnar region of the Western Ghats, distinguished by its unique tail markings and genetic differences from its closest relative.

• The species is named Uropeltis caudomaculata due to the distinct yellow spot at the base of its tail, differentiating it from similar species that typically have stripes.
• Initially misclassified as Uropeltis pulneyensis, a species found in the Palani Hills, Uropeltis caudomaculata was reassigned after genetic and morphological testing revealed significant differences.
• The new species is characterized by a higher number of ventral scales compared to U. pulneyensis.
• This new species is found ....