Gigantic ancient serpent found in India
Recent fossil discoveries in India have unveiled an ancient serpent believed to be one of the largest ever recorded, as indicated by a recent research study.
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New research reveals that 47 million years ago, a giant prehistoric snake longer than a school bus slithered around what is now India.
The massive snake known as Vasuki indicus, possibly one of the largest ever, was found to be even bigger than today's anacondas and pythons reaching up to 6 meters in length. Its name is inspired by both the legendary serpent of Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva's companion, and the place where it was found.
Researchers believe that this extinct snake was a slow-moving predator that would sneak up on its prey and then use constriction to overpower them. The findings were published in the journal Scientific Reports on Thursday.
Analysis of giant vertebrae fossils
Two researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee in Uttarakhand studied 27 fossilized vertebrae found in 2005 at a coal mine in Gujarat state, western India. Some of the vertebrae were still connected to each other during the analysis.
During the initial stage of the study in 2023, the team initially believed that the bones belonged to an ancient creature resembling a crocodile. However, it was only after the researchers removed sediment from the fossils that they discovered they were actually looking at the remains of a remarkably large snake, as stated by the authors.
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The study concluded that the vertebrae belonged to a fully grown animal.
According to coauthors Debajit Datta and Sunil Bajpai, the large size of the vertebrae could be attributed to factors such as a favorable environment with abundant food resources or the absence of natural predators.
The researchers suggested that warmer climatic conditions could have been another factor driving the evolution of the snake.
Based on the size of the preserved vertebrae, the researchers estimated that the snake would have been between 10.9 meters (36 feet) to 15.2 meters (50 feet) in length. They used two different calculation methods and described the snake as having a broad and cylindrical body.
A panoramic view of Panandhro Lignite Mine, in western India's Gujarat state, shows the fossiliferous level (red arrow) where the giant snake Vasuki indicus was found.
A panoramic view of Panandhro Lignite Mine, in western India's Gujarat state, shows the fossiliferous level (red arrow) where the giant snake Vasuki indicus was found.
S. Bajpai/D. Datta/P. Verma
Debajit and Bajpai said they believe it lived on land rather than water, like an anaconda, but it was unlikely to have hung out in trees due to its size.
The authors mentioned that the body length estimates of the snake should be taken with caution as they did not have a complete skeleton. However, the snake would have been comparable in size to the largest known snake species, the extinct Titanoboa.
Titanoboa, identified from fossils in Colombia, was estimated to weigh 1,140 kilograms (2,500 pounds) and measured 13 meters (42.7 feet) from nose to tail tip.
Snake size and the role of climate
Snakes are cold-blooded and need heat from the environment to survive. Their size, therefore, depends on how warm the climate is.
Their internal body temperature changes based on the temperature of their surroundings, the authors explained. This means that when the environment is warmer, Vasuki's internal body temperature and metabolic rate would have also increased, helping it to grow to such a large size.
Part of the research team in 2020 examining the initial finds (at the back) of the new discovery made by Ruby and Justin Reynolds. Additional sections of the bone were subsequently discovered. From left to right, Dr Dean Lomax, Ruby Reynolds, Justin Reynolds and Paul de la Salle.
In 2020, Dr. Dean Lomax was part of the research team that examined the initial finds at the back of a new discovery made by Ruby and Justin Reynolds. Additional sections of the bone were later found. The team consisted of Dr. Dean Lomax, Ruby Reynolds, Justin Reynolds, and Paul de la Salle.
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The team concluded that Vasuki lived in a warm, tropical climate with an average temperature of 28 degrees Celsius (82 degrees Fahrenheit). They based this on the size and metabolism of living snakes and the current temperatures.
Datta and Bajpai mentioned that the snake resided in a coastal marsh and swamp.
"We are not sure about the specific animals Vasuki consumed," researchers explained. Fossils found in the same area as Vasuki suggest that it may have eaten ray fish, catfish, turtles, crocodilians, and possibly even primitive whales. It is possible that Vasuki hunted some of these creatures.
Editor's P/S:
The discovery of Vasuki indicus, a prehistoric snake that roamed India 47 million years ago, is a testament to the incredible diversity of life that has existed on our planet. Its massive size, estimated to be between 10.9 and 15.2 meters in length, is truly awe-inspiring, surpassing even the largest snakes known today. The fact that Vasuki lived in a warm, tropical climate suggests that climate change may have played a significant role in the evolution of its size.
The discovery of Vasuki indicus also highlights the importance of fossil research in understanding the history of life on Earth. By studying the fossilized vertebrae of this ancient creature, scientists have been able to gain valuable insights into its size, habitat, and potential diet. This research not only expands our knowledge of prehistoric life but also provides a glimpse into the complex interactions between climate and the evolution of species.
