Q. Recently, scientists have discovered a new species of a shield-tail snake in which region of India?
Answer:
Western Ghats
Notes: Researchers recently discovered a new species of shield-tail snake, Uropeltis caudomaculata, in the Meghamalai-Munnar landscape of the Western Ghats. Named for the yellow spot on its tail, this non-venomous species is distinguished by its increased number of ventral scales and is found exclusively in the Meghamalai Tiger Reserve, Periyar Tiger Reserve, and Yellapetty, Munnar. Shield-tail snakes belong to the Uropeltidae family, endemic to peninsular India and Sri Lanka. They inhabit hilly forests, burrow up to one foot below soil, and occupy tunnels in leaves, humus, rocks, and logs. They possess a keratinous shield at the tail tip.