A newly identified type of ancient snake, Vasuki Indicusit may be one of the largest snakes to ever exist. The giant reptile lived in what is now the Indian state of Gujarat about 47 million years ago, according to a study published today. scientific report. Scientists estimate that it reached an unusual length of about 11 to 15 meters (36 to 49 feet). Researchers say it belonged to the extinct Mazzoi family, but represents a unique lineage originating from the Indian subcontinent.
The discovery comes from specimens described by Devajit Dutta and Sunil Bajpayee, who studied fossils recovered from the Panandro lignite mine in Kutch, Gujarat, India. These sites date back to the mid-Eocene period, approximately 47 million years ago. name Vasuki Indicus It honors the mythical serpent associated with the Hindu god Shiva and the country where its remains were discovered.
The fossil material includes 27 mostly well-preserved vertebrae, some still connected, indicating they belong to a fully grown snake. These bones provide important clues about the animal’s overall size and structure.
Estimated size suggests a giant snake
Each vertebra is 37.5 to 62.7 millimeters (1.48 to 2.47 inches) long and 62.4 to 111.4 millimeters (2.46 to 4.39 inches) wide. These dimensions indicate a thick cylindrical body. Based on these measurements, researchers estimate that the snake’s total length ranges from approximately 10.9 to 15.2 meters (35.8 to 49.9 feet).
it is Vasuki Indicus It is in the same size range as Titanoboa, the largest snake ever discovered, but scientists note that there is still uncertainty in these estimates. Given its large size, the snake was probably slow-moving and relied on ambush tactics, similar to modern anacondas.
Widely distributed ancient snake family
researchers classify Vasuki Indicus They belong to the Mazzoidae, a group of snakes that existed for almost 100 million years, from the Late Cretaceous to the Late Pleistocene. Members of this family lived in a wide geographical area, including Africa, Europe, and India.
This study suggests that Vasuki Indicus It may belong to a group of large mazzoid snakes that first evolved in India. From there, these snakes may have spread through southern Europe to Africa during the Eocene epoch, approximately 56 to 34 million years ago.
