• UGI USER
  • Apr 20, 2024
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GIANT PREHISTORIC SNAKE FOSSILS UNEARTHED IN KUTCH MINE BY RESEARCHERS.

Why in the news?

IIT Roorkee researchers discover fossils of Vasuki Indicus, one of the largest snakes, in Kutch mine, dating back 47 million years.

source:edexlive

Unearthing of Vasuki Indicus Fossils:

  • Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Roorkee researchers uncover fossils of Vasuki Indicus, one of the largest snakes known to have existed.
  • Fossils date back to the Middle Eocene period, approximately 47 million years ago, found in Kutch, Gujarat.
  • Estimated to be 10 to 15 metres long, belonging to the extinct Madtsoiidae snake family, Vasuki Indicus represents a unique lineage from India.
About Vasuki indicus:

  • New Species:
  • Named Vasuki indicus, after the mythical serpent associated with Lord Shiva.
  • Belongs to the extinct Madtsoiidae snake family.
  • Research Findings:
  • Conducted by Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee researchers.
  • Published in the journal Scientific Reports.
  • Significance:
  • Madtsoiidae snakes existed from the Upper Cretaceous to Late Pleistocene periods.
  • Discovery sheds light on snake origins, evolution, and biogeography during the warm Middle Eocene era in India.

Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/science/fossils-found-in-gujarats-kutch-may-belong-to-largest-snake-vasuki-15m-long-study-101713509816905.html