Palakkad, Kerala – Scientists have found a new kind of snake in the Siruvani Hills of Kerala. This small, non-venomous snake is called Rhinophis siruvaniensis. It belongs to the shieldtail family, known for burrowing underground. The discovery shows how rich the Western Ghats are in hidden animals and how ordinary people can help find them.
The snake was first spotted about ten years ago by a local farmer named Basil P. Das while working on his coffee farm in Jellipara village. He and his father saw the strange snake coming out of the soil. Basil took photos and shared them with experts. Those photos reached herpetologist Vivek Philip Cyriac, who works on the Shieldtail Mapping Project. After many years of study, the snake has now been named a new species.
How the Discovery Happened
It all started in 2015 on a coffee plantation. Basil noticed the snake during digging work. The snake looked different from others, with a shiny dark body and a special tail like a shield. Basil’s photos helped scientists start looking into it.
Vivek Cyriac and his team, including P.K. Umesh, N.S. Achyuthan, Vidisha Kulkarni, and S.R. Ganesh, collected more samples from the Siruvani Hills area. This area is between Kerala and Tamil Nadu in the central Western Ghats. They found the snakes under logs, rocks, or during farm digging, about 30 cm deep in the soil.
The team studied the snakes carefully. They counted scales – 19 rows at the front, 17 in the middle, and 15 near the back. The belly has 202 to 205 scales, and there are 4 to 8 pairs under the tail. The tail ends in a big dome-shaped shield. The top is dark brownish-black and shiny, while the belly is creamy white with big black spots.
They also checked DNA. The new snake’s genes differ by 2-4% from its closest relative, Rhinophis melanoleucus from Wayanad. This proved it is a separate species.
What Makes This Snake Special
Shieldtail snakes, or uropeltids, are small burrowers. They spend most time underground and eat earthworms. They are harmless to humans – no venom at all. The shield on the tail helps them push through soil.
Rhinophis siruvaniensis is named after the Siruvani Hills to honour the place where it lives. This is the seventh Rhinophis species in India. Most Rhinophis snakes are in Sri Lanka, but India has its own special ones in the Western Ghats.
These snakes help the soil by eating pests and turning the earth. They make the land better for plants.
Vivek Cyriac said, “This discovery shows the power of citizen science. A farmer’s simple photo led to finding a new species after ten years. It proves there are still many secrets in our forests.”
S.R. Ganesh, one of the researchers, added, “Finding this outside protected areas means we need to save private lands and plantations too. Habitats are shrinking fast.”
The Western Ghats and Biodiversity
The Western Ghats are one of the world’s top hotspots for plants and animals. Many species live only here. But farming, roads, and cities are taking away forests. The Siruvani area has coffee and tea plantations, which change the natural land.
This new snake lives in such changed places. It shows animals can survive near humans, but they need protection. Experts say more forests in Siruvani and Attappadi Plateau should be saved.
The discovery came from the Shieldtail Mapping Project, which looks for these hidden snakes. Many shieldtails are rare and hard to find because they stay underground.
Why This Matters for Kerala and India
Kerala is famous for its green hills and rains. It has many unique animals. Finding a new snake reminds us to care for nature. Snakes like this keep the balance in soil and control insects.
People often fear snakes and kill them. But most, like this one, are gentle. Learning about them can help people live safely with wildlife.
The study was published in the journal Evolutionary Systematics in 2025. It calls for better protection of the Siruvani Hills.
Basil P. Das, the farmer who started it all, said, “I was happy to see the snake and share photos. Now it’s a new species – feels good to help science.”
Other Shieldtail Snakes in India
India has several shieldtail types. Some like Rhinophis melanoleucus from Wayanad or others from different hills. Each has small areas where they live. Many are endangered because their homes are small.
This new one highlights how much we still don’t know about our backyard wildlife.
Looking Ahead for Conservation
Experts hope this news brings attention to saving the Western Ghats. More surveys and protection can find and save other hidden species.
The team thanks local people and forest department for help in collecting samples.
This find is a happy moment for nature lovers in Kerala. It shows God’s Own Country still has surprises underground.
Detailed Description of the Snake
The snake is small, about 30-40 cm long. Body is smooth and shiny. Top side dark black-brown, bottom creamy with black patches that go up the sides. Head is pointed for digging. Eyes are tiny because it lives in dark soil.
It moves slowly above ground but fast underground. When scared, it hides its head and shows the shield tail to block enemies.
They come out more in rainy season when soil is soft.
Role in Ecosystem
Burrowing snakes like this mix soil and eat worms that harm plants. They are food for bigger animals like birds or mammals.
Losing them can hurt farm soil health.
How Scientists Confirmed It’s New
They compared with all known Rhinophis. Used keys for scales, colour, and DNA. No match, so new species.
The paper has photos and drawings for future checks.
Citizen Science Success Story
Basil’s photo from 2015 was key. Without people sharing sightings, many discoveries miss.
Projects like Shieldtail Mapping encourage everyone to report rare animals.
Threats to the Habitat
Plantations use chemicals and clear land. Roads cut hills. Climate change affects rains.
Need laws to protect even private forests.
Quotes from Experts
Vivek Philip Cyriac: “Citizen contributions are vital. This snake waited ten years from photo to name.”
From the paper: “The discovery outside protected areas highlights need for better conservation in remaining forests.”
Another researcher: “Western Ghats keep giving new species. We must protect before they vanish.”
Similar Discoveries in Recent Years
In past years, other shieldtails found in Anaimalai or Meghamalai. Shows Ghats full of undescribed life.
FAQs About Rhinophis siruvaniensis and the Discovery
What is Rhinophis siruvaniensis?
It is a new species of shieldtail snake found in Siruvani Hills, Kerala. Small, non-venomous, burrows in soil. Shiny dark top, white belly with black spots.
Is this snake dangerous?
No, it has no venom. Harmless to people. Does not bite even when handled.
Where exactly was it found?
In coffee plantations and forests of Siruvani Hills, Palakkad district, Kerala, near Tamil Nadu border.
Who discovered it?
First spotted by farmer Basil P. Das in 2015. Scientifically described by Vivek Cyriac and team in 2025.
Why is the name siruvaniensis?
After Siruvani Hills, the place it lives.
How many shieldtail species in India?
Now seven in Rhinophis genus. More in other groups.
What eats this snake?
Birds, bigger snakes, or mammals. But rare to see.
Can I see this snake?
Hard, as it lives underground. Only during digging or rains.
Why important for conservation?
Lives in changing habitats. Shows need to save plantations and hills from more damage.
How can people help?
Report sightings to experts. Don’t kill snakes. Protect local forests.