New Snake Species Named After Leonardo DiCaprio

October 23, 2024

A new snake species has been identified in the Western Himalayas. Scientists named it Anguiculus dicaprioi. The species honors actor and environmentalist Leonardo DiCaprio for his wildlife conservation efforts.

Species Classification

Anguiculus dicaprioi belongs to the Colubridae family. This is the largest snake family, consisting of 304 genera and 1,938 species. Colubridae make up nearly two-thirds of all living snake species worldwide. The name Anguiculus translates to ‘small snake’ in Latin, reflecting the species’ small size.

Common Names

The suggested common name for this snake is the ‘Himalayan snake’. The specific name, dicaprioi, serves as a tribute to Leonardo DiCaprio. A proposed common name is ‘DiCaprio’s Himalayan snake’. Anguiculus dicaprioi is found in several regions:

Chamba
Kullu
Shimla (Himachal Pradesh)
Nainital (Uttarakhand)
Chitwan National Park (Nepal)

Physical Characteristics

The skull of Anguiculus dicaprioi is described as complete and robust. Observations indicate that these snakes bask in the sun and remain still when approached. They displayed no aggressive behavior when caught.

The researchers collected the first specimens in June 2020. Additional individuals were seen from July to September. No sightings were reported outside these months.

Biodiversity Insights

The study marks a distinct biodiversity in the Western Himalayas. While the eastern Himalayas are more diverse, this research suggests that the Western region has unique species.

The researchers emphasize the need for more studies across various taxa. An integrated taxonomic approach is essential to uncover hidden species. This will aid in recognizing and conserving biodiversity in the region.

Conservation Significance

Leonardo DiCaprio’s involvement in environmental issues adds significance to the naming of this species. He has raised awareness about climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. His contributions include funding for conservation projects and research initiatives.

The discovery of Anguiculus dicaprioi underscores the importance of wildlife conservation. It also marks the ongoing need to explore and document the biodiversity of the Himalayas.

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