Ancient 50-Foot Snake Discovered in India

A newly identified species of ancient snake, *Vasuki indicus*, may be one of the largest snakes to have ever lived. This massive reptile lived approximately 47 million years ago in what is now Gujarat, India. Scientists estimate its length ranged from 11 to 15 meters (36 to 49 feet).

The discovery was made by Debajit Datta and Sunil Bajpai. They studied fossils recovered from the Panandhro Lignite Mine in Kutch, Gujarat State, India. The remains date back to the Middle Eocene period. The snake's name honors the mythical serpent associated with the Hindu deity Shiva and its country of origin.

The fossil material includes 27 mostly well-preserved vertebrae. Some vertebrae were still connected, indicating they belonged to a fully grown snake. These bones provide critical information about the animal's size and structure.

Each vertebra measures between 37.5 and 62.7 millimeters (1.48 to 2.47 inches) in length. They are between 62.4 and 111.4 millimeters (2.46 to 4.39 inches) in width. These dimensions suggest a thick, cylindrical body. Researchers estimate the snake's total length was about 10.9 to 15.2 meters (35.8 to 49.9 feet).

This size places *Vasuki indicus* in a similar range to *Titanoboa*, the largest snake ever discovered. Researchers note some uncertainty remains in these estimates. Its massive build suggests it was a slow-moving ambush predator, similar to modern anacondas.

*Vasuki indicus* belongs to the Madtsoiidae family, an extinct group of snakes that existed for nearly 100 million years. This family lived across Africa, Europe, and India. The study suggests *Vasuki indicus* may be part of a group of large madtsoiid snakes that first evolved in India. These snakes could have then spread through southern Europe and into Africa during the Eocene epoch.