Dog-faced water snake sighted in Nalbari floodplains

Guwahati: Researchers have documented the unprecedented sighting of the dog-faced water snake (Cerberus rynchops) in the floodplains of Nalbari district. The research has been published in the journal ‘Reptiles and Amphibians' by Pankaj Lochan Deka, Rajesh Dutta Baruah, Atul Kalita, Prasanna Kalita, Madhab Medhi, and Jayaditya Purkayastha.Five specimens were observed at Garemara in Nalbari district, approximately 800 km from the nearest coastal area at Sonadia Island, Chittagong division, Bangladesh, demonstrating the species' capability to adapt to freshwater environments. This rear-fanged, mildly venomous, semi-aquatic snake typically resides in mangroves, coastal mud flats, and estuarine habitats throughout Southeast Asia and northern Australia. The species hunts fish and crustaceans in shallow waters using a passive hunting technique.The researchers collected data from one male specimen, measuring 820 mm in total length. The recorded scale measurements included 154 ventrals, 61 subcaudals, and dorsal scales in 27:25:19 rows, consistent with known species characteristics. The research, conducted with assistance from local snake rescuers, highlights the importance of training and developing these individuals' capabilities for both rescue operations and collecting essential ecological information about species diversity, distribution, and seasonal patterns.Jayaditya Purkayastha, one of the researcher and general secretary of Help Earth, who is actively working to establish a structured forum for snake rescuers said, "Our research paper was published on Thursday, and it documents the first discovery of the snake species in Assam, previously unrecorded in the northeast. Notably, this species is typically found in estuarine habitats, making its presence in inland areas a remarkable find."Emphasizing about the snake rescuers he stated, "The snake rescuers have played a crucial role in this discovery and many of them connected with me, not only rescue snakes but also collect valuable data, which has been instrumental in our research. Snake rescuers are an untapped resource in biodiversity research. With proper training, they can significantly contribute to scientific discoveries and conservation planning and snake bite management."