In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have unearthed the fossil remains of what they believe to be the largest snake ever to have existed, surpassing even the famed Tyrannosaurus rex in size. Named ‘Vasuki Indicus,’ after the snake king associated with Lord Shiva, the discovery sheds new light on India’s crucial role in the evolutionary history of various species, particularly reptiles.
Discovered by scientists from IIT-Roorkee in Gujarat back in 2005, the fossil vertebrae have recently been confirmed as belonging to a giant snake, establishing its significant presence in the origin and evolutionary process of reptiles. The researchers have identified 27 vertebrae from the snake, some resembling those of a large python, suggesting it was likely non-venomous and relied on constriction to subdue prey.
Lead author of the study, Debajit Datta, describes Vasuki as a slow-moving ambush predator, similar to anacondas and pythons, inhabiting a marshy swamp near the coast during a period of higher global temperatures. Estimated to have been between 11 to 15 meters long (approximately 50 feet) and weighing around one tonne, Vasuki’s size rivals that of Titanoboa, a colossal snake that lived in Colombia around 60 million years ago.
Sunil Bajpai, co-author of the study and a palaeontologist at Roorkee, notes that while Vasuki’s estimated body length is comparable to Titanoboa, further research is needed to determine if it was more massive or slender. The discovery provides invaluable insights not only into the evolution of snakes but also into continental shifts and species dispersal across the globe over time.
Despite being found in what is now a dry and dusty area, Vasuki’s habitat was once a swampy environment, highlighting the dynamic nature of Earth’s landscapes throughout history. The discovery of Vasuki Indicus marks a significant milestone in our understanding of prehistoric life and underscores the importance of continued exploration and research in unraveling the mysteries of our planet’s past.
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