CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -The species from Mizoram lacks specific enlarged scales in the temporal region of the head. This character is extremely rare in snakes of this family, hence its name Smithophis atemporalis or the Mizo rain snake.

Detailed explanation-2: -A strange new dwarf snake species discovered in the tropics of Ecuador has been dubbed a “relic of time.” The tiny snake is only about 7.8 inches long and belongs to the Tropidophiidae family, a group of nonvenomous dwarf snakes. The finding means there are now 34 confirmed Tropidophis species.

Detailed explanation-3: -They locally referred to it as ‘ruahlawmrul’, a rain-loving snake, said Giri. The snake lacks temporal scales (specific enlarged scales in the temporal region of the head located behind the eyes), which is characterised as extremely rare for the snake family.

Detailed explanation-4: -The Western Ghats are a hotspot for biodiversity in India, with a large number of endemic snake species.

Detailed explanation-5: -"Big Four” refers to the four most common venomous snake species in India-spectacled cobra (Naja naja), saw-scaled viper (Echis carinatus), Russell’s viper (Daboia russelii) and common krait (Bungarus caeruleus).