In a groundbreaking discovery, paleontologists in Gujarat, India, have unearthed fossils of what is believed to be the world’s largest snake.
Named Vasuki Indicus, this colossal serpent is thought to have rivaled the longest snake ever known to exist on Earth, as reported by the Times of India.
Discovered by researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IITR), these fossils measure between 10 to 15 meters in length and date back approximately 47 million years.
Professor Sunil Bajpai and Debajit Datta, a postdoctoral fellow at IITR, led the discovery and co-authored a study published in the journal Scientific Reports.
Datta noted that a serpent described similarly in ancient Hindu scriptures has long been revered under the name Vasuki.
They propose that Vasuki Indicus, which inhabited a time when Earth’s geography differed greatly from today, may have reached sizes comparable to the famous Titanoboa.
This prehistoric reptile likely boasted a broad and cylindrical body, indicative of a powerful and robust physique.
“Vasuki was a majestic creature,” explained Datta. “It may have been a gentle giant, resting its head on a high porch formed by coiling its massive body for most parts of the day or moving sluggishly through the swamp like an endless train.”
The snake’s habitat, situated in a marshy swamp near the coast, existed within a warmer global climate than today, potentially contributing to its immense proportions.
“This discovery holds significance not only for comprehending the ancient ecosystems of India but also for unveiling the evolutionary history of snakes on the Indian subcontinent,” remarked Dr. Bajpai in a statement. “It underscores the importance of preserving our natural history and emphasizes the role of research in unraveling the mysteries of our past.”
