Rare sand snake pictured for the first time in 150 years in Kachchh

A snake last conclusively recorded in Kutch in the 19th century has been spotted again, offering a glimpse of the region's hidden wildlife.The sand snake spotted in Kutch is photographed. (Photo: Gujarat Forest Department)New Delhi,Sep 30, 2026 11:30 ISTA routine forest patrol in Gujarat's Kutch has led to an unusual wildlife discovery: an elusive snake that had not been conclusively recorded in the region for more than 150 years.The Afro-Asian sand snake, also known as the Schokari Sand Racer, was spotted near Kala Dungar, close to Bhuj, earlier this month. The sighting has revived a species record dating back to the 19th century and offered a glimpse into the lesser-known wildlife surviving in Kutch's dry landscape.AN UNEXPECTED MEETINGThe discovery happened on the evening of September 6, when Range Forest Officer Jayesh Dumadiya, 32, of the Gujarat Forest Department's Bhuj North Range was returning from patrol with his team.At around 7:30 pm, they stopped after spotting a common black-headed royal snake, and while the team was trying to handle it, another snake appeared on the road. An image of the sand snake spotted in Gujarat is captured by an on-duty officer. (Photo: Gujarat Forest Depaertment) Dumadiya, who had recently been transferred to Kutch, quickly photographed the unfamiliar reptile and recorded a video before sharing the material with experts and snake experts.The results soon came in, and the experts identified it as the Afro-Asian sand snake, a slender, fast-moving species that is rarely encountered in this part of India.LAST SEEN IN 1872 The significance of the sighting lies in how far back the last confirmed record goes.Czech naturalist Ferdinand Stoliczka collected specimens of the snake during his survey of Kutch in 1871 and 1872, with the species subsequently recorded in scientific literature.The Afro-Asian sand snake is adapted to dry and arid habitats.In India, it is mainly known from parts of Rajasthan and Gujarat, is mildly venomous but generally poses little danger to people and feeds on small animals, including lizards and rodents.While there have been a few possible sightings since then, officials said none had been conclusively confirmed until this discovery.The discovery effectively connects a historical record from more than a century ago with a confirmed observation in present-day Kutch. The sand snake spotted in Kutch is photographed. (Photo: Gujarat Forest Department) A GLIMPSE OF KUTCH'S RICH WILDLIFEThe discovery has once again highlighted how rich Kutch's habitat is, housing numerous rare species.The region may appear barren at first glance, but its deserts and scrublands support a diverse range of species that remain understudied.Forest officials now plan to document the sighting further and publish the findings in scientific journals, potentially adding a new chapter to the natural history of Kutch.- Ends