Naga tribal youths helps efforts to revive critically endangered Asian giant tortoise in the wild
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Time of India
05-08-2025
- Time of India
10 snakes that can swim or fly naturally in the wild
Some snake species defy expectations by effortlessly gliding through the air or swimming with remarkable agility. These fascinating reptiles, from aquatic sea kraits to airborne tree snakes like Chrysopelea, have evolved unique adaptations that allow them to thrive in diverse environments. Sea snakes use paddle-like tails for smooth underwater movement, while flying snakes flatten their bodies and undulate mid-air to glide between treetops. These abilities not only aid in hunting and escaping predators but also demonstrate nature's extraordinary versatility. Whether in dense forests or ocean reefs, swimming and flying snakes are a stunning example of survival through specialized evolution Snakes that can fly or swim: Names, facts, and adaptations 1. Banded Sea Krait (Laticauda spp.) These highly venomous snakes thrive in marine environments, using paddle-like tails to glide through water. They spend much of their life in coral reefs and return to land only to lay eggs and rest. 2. Coral Snake (Aquatic species) Source: Wikipedia Aquatic species of coral snakes are excellent swimmers, often found in swampy wetlands. Their bright bands serve as a warning to predators while gliding through water undetected. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Most Successful Way of Intraday Trading is "Market Profile" TradeWise Learn More Undo 3. Cottonmouth (Water Moccasin) This venomous pit viper swims with confidence in swamps, lakes, and rivers across the southeastern US. It can float on the surface or submerge completely, making it a stealthy aquatic hunter. 4. Mangrove Viper Source: Wikipedia Often found in dense mangrove forests, this snake can swim short distances between tangled roots. Its camouflage allows it to ambush prey while gliding through brackish waters. 5. Water Snakes Source: Wikipedia These non-venomous snakes thrive in freshwater environments, feeding on fish and amphibians. Their long, flattened bodies make them efficient and silent swimmers in still or flowing water. 6. Whip Snake Source: Wikipedia Whip snakes are slender and fast, capable of swimming across streams and puddles. Their agility both on land and in water helps them escape predators with ease. 7. Gliding or Flying Snakes (Chrysopelea species) Source: Wikipedia These Southeast Asian snakes flatten their ribs and undulate mid-air to glide from tree to tree. They can cover distances up to 100 meters, steering with remarkable accuracy during descent. 8. Paradise Tree Snake (Chrysopelea paradisi) Source: Wikipedia Known for its vibrant green-and-black patterns, this snake glides from canopy to canopy in tropical forests. It uses aerodynamic movements to stay airborne and hunt insects or small lizards. 9. Golden Tree Snake (Chrysopelea ornata) Source: Wikipedia This vividly coloured flying snake glides through the air using rib expansion and lateral movement. It is commonly seen in India and Southeast Asia, often startling observers with its mid-air leaps. 10. Indian Flying Snake (Chrysopelea taprobanica) Source: Wikipedia Endemic to India and Sri Lanka, this snake expertly glides through dense forests and plantations. It plays an important role in maintaining the local ecosystem by controlling insect populations. How snakes swim or glide Gliding snakes flatten their bodies and move in an S-shape to generate lift, using trees as launchpads. Swimming snakes utilise streamlined bodies and tail propulsion to navigate efficiently through water. These adaptations help them thrive in coastal regions, forests, mangroves, rivers, and tropical canopies. Snake Species Mode Notable Adaptation Banded Sea Krait Swim Paddle tail; lives in ocean but nests on land Coral Snake (Aquatic) Swim Bright colors; silent underwater swimmer Cottonmouth Swim Semi-aquatic; stealth ambush technique Mangrove Viper Swim Camouflaged; ambushes prey in muddy tidal zones Water Snake Swim Non-venomous; highly agile underwater Whip Snake Swim Speed and flexibility in water crossings Chrysopelea (Genus) Fly Rib expansion; up to 100 m of glide Paradise Tree Snake Fly Precise aerial control in tropical forests Golden Tree Snake Fly Brightly colored; effective long-distance glider Indian Flying Snake Fly Native glider; essential in forest ecosystems Also read | King Cobra lesser known facts and insights: The snake that builds nests and hunts snakes
Deccan Herald
04-08-2025
- Deccan Herald
Naga tribal youths helps efforts to revive critically endangered Asian giant tortoise in the wild
The Asian Giant Tortoises, which weigh up to 36kgs, are endemic to the Southeast Asian nations and are very rare in the Northeastern region, mainly due to poaching by local communities and habitat loss.
Indian Express
18-07-2025
- Indian Express
Meet the Jesus Christ lizard that walks on water (and other fascinating reptiles around the world)
Reptiles are often misunderstood, relegated to the eerie. But, delve deeper and you'll find creatures so bizarre, so unexpectedly brilliant, they feel pulled straight from a fantasy novel. From lizards that run across water to turtles that impersonate leaves, nature's creativity knows no bounds. Let's meet some of the most captivating reptiles in the world. It sounds like folklore, but this lizard really does run on water. Found in Central America, the Basiliscus basiliscus, commonly known as the Jesus Christ lizard, uses sheer speed and body mechanics to dart across river surfaces. As National Geographic explains, they accomplish the seemingly miraculous act of moving on top of water by generating forces with their feet that keep their bodies both above the surface and upright. The trick lies in their hind feet, which slap the water hard enough to create pockets of air that prevent sinking—long enough, at least, to escape predators like birds and snakes. Two-headed snakes have long inspired mythologies, but in real life, they're the result of a rare developmental anomaly called bicephaly. Just like conjoined twins in humans, these snakes are born when a single embryo tries—but fails—to fully split into identical twins. The result is two brains often working against each other. While fascinating to observe, these animals rarely survive long in the wild. Their instincts don't always align; one head might sense prey, the other might retreat, making survival complicated in nature's harsh logic. High in the canopy of Southeast Asian forests lives a lizard that glides between trees like a miniature dragon. The Draco lizard has wing-like flaps that unfurl from elongated ribs, allowing it to soar across jungle gaps. According to BBC Earth, Draco lizards have the amazing ability to fly from tree to tree in search of food, a mate or to avoid predators. They don't fly like birds but rather glide with elegance, steering mid-air with their tails. Their graceful aerial moves have even earned them a place in folklore across Asia, where they're thought to bring luck—or fear. Looking like something straight out of Mad Max, the thorny devil (Moloch horridus) is covered in spikes, right down to a false head on the back of its neck to mislead predators. But perhaps its most fascinating trait is invisible to the eye. As Australian Geographic shares, 'tiny grooves that suck up dew… passing it to the devil's mouth without the lizard having to lift a finger.' That's right, this desert dweller drinks through its skin. Morning dew collects on its body, gets absorbed into the grooves, and travels by capillary action right into the mouth. Who needs a water bottle when your skin does the job? The Mata Mata turtle (Chelus fimbriata) from the Amazon basin doesn't bother chasing prey. It doesn't have to. With a face like a pile of leaves and a shell like mossy bark, this turtle lies motionless in the murky waters of the rainforest, blending perfectly into its surroundings. With a barklike shell and a head shaped like a leaf, the mata mata turtle is a master of camouflage. When an unsuspecting fish wanders too close, the turtle simply opens its cavernous mouth and sucks it in, no chase, no fight, just stealth and vacuum power. The Tokay gecko (Gekko gecko) isn't your average wall-crawler. Found across Southeast Asia, this gecko is brilliantly blue-grey with fiery orange spots—and it doesn't hesitate to voice its opinions. Known for its vocalizations that sound like 'To‑kay! To‑kay!', the gecko has reputation for being aggressive and territorial, especially males. These geckos are fiercely territorial, and while they may be beautiful, they're not afraid to use their powerful jaws. Still, their call and striking appearance make them one of the most charismatic reptiles in the pet trade (for experienced handlers only).
