A picture of the "very rare" Red Coral Kukri snake has created a stir on social media. The snake was spotted in the Dudhwa National Park in Uttar Pradesh's Lakhimpur Kheri two days ago. A photograph of the red snake was captured by a staff member and shared on Twitter by wildlife conservation and tourism organisation WildLense.
The reptile was first sighted in Dudhwa in 1936 and even its zoological name "oligodon Kheriensis" finds its roots in its Kheri-specific location. Sightings of this brightly-coloured snake are rare - it was seen last year for the first time after a gap of almost 82 years.
According to senior Indian Forest Service officer Ramesh Pandey, this is only the fourth sighting of the Red Coral Kukri snake in the last couple of years - which in itself is a marked increase from earlier sightings.
"Dudhwa National Park is full of diversity and surprises. Red Coral Kukri snake, a very rare snake... today evening after rain near staff cottage," wrote WildLense while sharing the picture on Sunday.
The red-coloured snake has captured social media's attention, with its picture collecting hundreds of 'likes' and comments. Many called the snake beautiful and wondered at its striking colouring.
According to experts, Red Coral Kukri is a nocturnal non-venomous reptile feeding on insects and worms. It gets its name from its red orange colour and its teeth, which are shaped like Nepali "khukri" to break eggs.
8 Killed In Rain-Related Incidents In Uttar Pradesh In Last 2 Days UP Villagers Forced To Demolish Homes After Saryu Water Levels Rise No Fish, No Wedding: Groom, Relatives Thrash Bride's Family Over Vegetarian Fare Trainee IAS Officer Puja Khedkar Recalled To Academy, Training Put On Hold Under-Fire Trainee IAS Officer Accuses Pune Collector Of Harassment What Trump Rally Shooter Did On Last Day Of His Life This Bengaluru Bar Was Just Named The Best Bar In India For 2024 6 Killed, Dozens Wounded In Shooting Near Mosque In Oman Court Allows 26 Luxury Cars Owned By Sukesh Chandrashekhar To Be Sold Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.