In a remarkable discovery, wildlife rescuers in Thane have documented the presence of a rare species of Bronzeback snake (Dendrelaphis cf proarchos), previously unknown from western India. The finding — confirmed by herpetologists — could significantly expand the known range of this slender, tree-dwelling snake. A recent study has shed new light on the distribution of Dendrelaphis proarchos, a species previously thought to dwell only in Northeast India.

“Earlier, its presence in western India was believed to be an isolated, human-mediated introduction. However, multiple individuals rescued by our NGO, Wildlife Welfare Association (WWA–India), along with verified photographic records from Gujarat, Mumbai, and Thane, strongly suggest a naturally occurring population in western peninsular India,” said Lalit Dnyaneshwar Ghadi. The research note, conducted by wildlife biologist Kushal Mohandas Vaishnav and Ghadi on behalf of WWA–India, was recently published in a scientific journal.