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Gigantic Prehistoric Snake Discovered in India May Have Been One of the Largest Ever
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What Happened?
A colossal prehistoric snake, Vasuki indicus, discovered in Gujarat, India, may have reached lengths of up to 15.2 meters (50 feet), rivaling Titanoboa. The species lived around 47 million years ago during the Middle Eocene.
Key points
- Vasuki indicus may have reached lengths of 15.2 meters (50 feet).
- Fossils were discovered in Gujarat, India, dating back 47 million years.
- The species is named after the mythical serpent associated with the Hindu deity Shiva.
- Researchers examined 27 well-preserved vertebrae to estimate its size.
- Vasuki likely hunted by ambush, similar to modern anacondas.
Key insights
- The size of Vasuki indicus suggests that warm climates may have supported the growth of large reptiles.
- The discovery indicates a lineage of giant snakes that spread from India to other continents.
- Vasuki's hunting behavior may resemble that of modern large constrictors, relying on ambush tactics.
- The fossil evidence highlights a diverse community of ancient reptiles in India during the Eocene.
Why it matters
The discovery of Vasuki indicus provides insights into prehistoric ecosystems and the evolution of giant snakes.
Tags
Entities
Vasuki indicus· SpeciesTitanoboa· SpeciesGujarat· LocationIndia· CountryShiva· Person
Source
Science Daily
