Rare Laudankia Vine Snake Documented in Udaipur

Key facts

• The rare Laudankia Vine Snake (Ahaetulla laudankia) was photographed in Udaipur's Ubeshwar Wildlife Area on July 12, 2026, by wildlife photographer Rohit Dwivedi.
• The species was last recorded in Udaipur nearly three decades ago by wildlife expert Dr. Satish Sharma.
• The Laudankia Vine Snake is a rare member of the vine snake group, with its scientific description formally published in 2019.
• The snake is endemic to India and is believed to occur from the Eastern Ghats through central India to eastern Rajasthan.
• It is identified by its slender vine-like body, chestnut-brown coloration, fine black speckles, white patches beneath the head, elongated pointed snout, large eyes, and horizontal pupils.
• The species is diurnal and arboreal, inhabiting dry deciduous forests, shrublands, and rocky hill slopes, and feeds on lizards, geckos, small frogs, and small birds.
• Although mildly venomous and rear-fanged, its venom is not considered dangerous to humans, and the snake is generally non-aggressive.