Assam Zoo Records First Albino Checkered Keelback Snake, A Rare Genetic Discovery

The Assam State Zoo and Botanical Garden in Guwahati has recorded a juvenile albino checkered keelback snake, opening new scientific interest in reptile colour anomalies in Northeast India. This rare discovery shows the rich reptile biodiversity of the region and highlights important genetic variations in wildlife.

Assam Zoo Records First Albino Checkered Keelback Snake, A Rare Genetic Discovery

First Albino Checkered Keelback in Guwahati

Researchers identified the snake inside the zoo premises. The species is known scientifically as Fowlea piscator.
Key details:

• It is the first ever albino checkered keelback recorded in Guwahati.
• The snake is a juvenile measuring around 290 mm.
• The record has been published in the international journal ‘Reptiles and Amphibians’, giving global recognition to Assam’s biodiversity.
• Similar albino snakes have earlier been reported from Nepal and some parts of India.

What Causes Albinism in Snakes?

The snake showed typical signs of albinism, a genetic disorder where an animal has no melanin pigment.
Visible traits observed:

• Pale yellow body colour
• Red eyes
• Missing dark, chequered skin pattern (usually seen in normal checkered keelbacks)

📌 Experts also clarified that albinism is different from leucism. In leucism, animals may look pale but generally have normal eye colour, unlike albino animals.

Scientific Handling and Release

Experts studied the snake for several days by examining:

• Body colour and pattern
• Scale arrangement
• Behavioural condition

After examination, the snake was released into a protected forest area to avoid stress and ensure safe survival.

Ecological Challenges for Albino Snakes

Albino snakes face serious survival difficulties in the wild because:

• They cannot camouflage properly
• Their bodies are easily seen by predators
• Hunting becomes difficult due to lack of stealth

Thus, albino snakes rarely survive to adulthood, making this discovery even more important for scientific records.

Exam-Oriented Note

• The albino snake species: Fowlea piscator (Checkered Keelback)
• Reason: Absence of melanin pigment (albinism)
• First recorded at: Assam State Zoo, Guwahati
• Length: Around 290 mm (juvenile)
• Published in: International journal ‘Reptiles and Amphibians’
• Albino snakes have pale yellow bodies and red eyes
• Similar cases recorded previously in Nepal and some parts of India

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Question & Answer

Q1. Where was the albino checkered keelback snake recently recorded?
(a) Kaziranga National Park
(b) Assam State Zoo, Guwahati
(c) Manas Wildlife Sanctuary
(d) Nameri National Park
Answer: Assam State Zoo, Guwahati

Q2. What is the scientific name of the checkered keelback?
(a) Naja naja
(b) Python bivittatus
(c) Fowlea piscator
(d) Bungarus fasciatus
Answer: Fowlea piscator

Q3. What is the key trait of albinism in snakes?
(a) Blue tongue and yellow skin
(b) Absence of melanin, pale body and red eyes
(c) Black patches and brown eyes
(d) Overproduction of melanin causing dark scales
Answer: Absence of melanin, pale body and red eyes

Q4. In which journal was the finding published?
(a) Wildlife Times
(b) Nature Ecology
(c) Reptiles and Amphibians
(d) Indian Bioscience Review
Answer: Reptiles and Amphibians

Q5. What was the approximate length of the recorded juvenile snake?
(a) 100 mm
(b) 200 mm
(c) 290 mm
(d) 450 mm
Answer: 290 mm

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