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. 24/10/2024 11:20 AM
New Snake Species Discovered in Western Himalayas Named After Leonardo DiCaprio
Scientists have identified a new species of snake in the Western Himalayas, naming it Anguiculus dicaprioi in honor of actor and environmentalist Leonardo DiCaprio for his significant contributions to wildlife conservation. This discovery highlights the unique biodiversity of the region and brings attention to the need for further research.
Anguiculus dicaprioi is a part of the Colubridae family, the largest family of snakes, which includes 304 genera and 1,938 species, making up nearly two-thirds of all living snake species. The genus name Anguiculus translates to “small snake” in Latin, reflecting the species' relatively small size. The suggested common name for this snake is "DiCaprio’s Himalayan snake."
This new species has been found in various locations across the Western Himalayas, including Chamba, Kullu, and Shimla in Himachal Pradesh, Nainital in Uttarakhand, and even in Chitwan National Park in Nepal. The first specimens were collected in June 2020, with additional sightings reported between July and September.
Anguiculus dicaprioi is characterized by a robust and complete skull. These snakes have been observed basking in the sun and remaining motionless when approached, showing no signs of aggression when handled.
The study sheds light on the distinct biodiversity of the Western Himalayas, which has often been overshadowed by the more diverse eastern Himalayas. This finding underscores the importance of conducting further research across various species using integrated taxonomic approaches to uncover hidden biodiversity and aid conservation efforts.
Leonardo DiCaprio has long been involved in environmental conservation, raising awareness about issues like climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. His work in funding and supporting conservation projects makes the naming of this new species a fitting tribute.
The discovery of Anguiculus dicaprioi not only celebrates the actor's environmental activism but also emphasizes the ongoing need to protect the rich biodiversity of the Himalayas.
