Why in news?
Researchers have recorded the first sightings of the Rainbow Water Snake (Enhydris enhydris) in Uttar Pradesh’s Dudhwa Tiger Reserve. The mildly venomous reptile, known for its iridescent sheen, was observed twice in the reserve’s buffer zone in September and November 2025.
Background
The Rainbow Water Snake is a semi‑aquatic species distributed across Southeast Asia and parts of eastern India. It inhabits freshwater wetlands, rice paddies and marshes where it hunts fish and amphibians. Measuring 30–60 cm in length, the snake has a slender body, narrow head and a relatively short tail. Its scales refract light, giving a rainbow‑like appearance when wet.
Outreach officer Vipin Kapoor Sainy and field biologists from the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) spotted the snake during routine surveys in the Dudhwa buffer zone. They photographed and measured the specimen, which was about 35 cm long, before releasing it back into its habitat. Subsequent sightings confirmed the presence of a small population.
Significance of the discovery
- Biodiversity record: This is the first recorded presence of the species in Uttar Pradesh. Dudhwa’s wetlands are part of the Terai ecosystem, which harbours rich but understudied herpetofauna.
- Ecological role: The snake controls populations of fish and amphibians, contributing to aquatic food‑web balance. It is mildly venomous but not considered dangerous to humans.
- Conservation awareness: The sighting underscores the need for research and habitat protection in the Terai region, which faces pressure from agriculture and development.
Source: Hindustan Times
