Laudankia Vine Snake Recorded in Udaipur

Why in News?

The Laudankia Vine Snake (Ahaetulla laudankia), an endemic Indian reptile, was photographed in the Ubeshwar wildlife area of Udaipur, Rajasthan, on 12 July 2026. The sighting was recorded by wildlife photographer Rohit Dwivedi, with guidance from Sharad Agrawal and Deepal Kalra. This is the first documented record of the species in the Udaipur region in nearly 30 years, making it an important addition to the biodiversity records of the Aravalli landscape.

About the Laudankia Vine Snake

The Laudankia Vine Snake, scientifically known as Ahaetulla laudankia, was scientifically described in 2019. It belongs to the vine snake genus (Ahaetulla), a group of slender, arboreal snakes widely distributed across South and Southeast Asia. The species is endemic to India, meaning it is naturally found only within the country’s geographical boundaries.

Identification Features

• Scientific Name: Ahaetulla laudankia
• Common Name: Laudankia Vine Snake
• Described: 2019
• Distribution: Endemic to India
• Length: 80 cm to 1.5 metres
• Activity Pattern: Diurnal (active during the day)
• Venom: Mildly venomous and rear-fanged

The snake is distinguished by its:

• Slender and elongated body.
• Chestnut-brown coloration with fine black speckles.
• Pale white patches on the lower jaw and throat.
• Excellent camouflage that allows it to blend into tree branches and shrubs.

Habitat and Behaviour

The Laudankia Vine Snake is an arboreal species, spending most of its life among trees and shrubs.

Its preferred habitats include:

• Dry deciduous forests
• Scrub forests
• Rocky hill slopes
• Woodland ecosystems

The species primarily feeds on:

• Small lizards
• Frogs
• Small birds
• Other small vertebrates

Being a rear-fanged snake, it possesses enlarged teeth located at the back of the upper jaw to inject mild venom into prey. The venom is mainly used to immobilize small animals and is generally not considered dangerous to humans.

Significance of the Udaipur Record

The recent sighting is significant because it represents the first confirmed record of the species in the Udaipur region in nearly three decades.

The previous known record was made by Dr. Satish Sharma, a retired Rajasthan Forest Service officer and noted wildlife expert.

The discovery highlights the ecological importance of the Ubeshwar wildlife area, which forms part of the Aravalli mountain ecosystem, one of India’s oldest mountain ranges and an important biodiversity hotspot supporting numerous reptiles, birds, mammals, and endemic plant species.

The finding also underlines the importance of continued biodiversity surveys and wildlife documentation for conservation planning.

Conservation Significance

Although the Laudankia Vine Snake is not among India’s most widely known reptiles, documenting its distribution helps scientists understand species diversity, habitat requirements, and ecosystem health.

Conservation of dry forests, scrublands, and hill ecosystems in the Aravalli region is crucial for protecting such specialized arboreal reptiles.

Wildlife monitoring by researchers, forest officials, and citizen scientists plays a key role in identifying rare species and strengthening conservation strategies.

Important Facts for Exams

• Scientific Name: Ahaetulla laudankia
• Common Name: Laudankia Vine Snake
• Described: 2019
• Distribution: Endemic to India
• Habitat: Dry deciduous forests, scrublands, hill slopes
• Behaviour: Arboreal and diurnal
• Venom: Mildly venomous, rear-fanged
• Recent Record: Ubeshwar Wildlife Area, Udaipur (12 July 2026)
• Ubeshwar is located in the Aravalli region of Rajasthan.
• The Aravalli Range is one of the oldest fold mountain systems in the world and supports diverse flora and fauna.
• Diurnal animals are active during daylight hours.
• Rear-fanged snakes possess enlarged teeth at the back of the upper jaw for venom delivery.