- According to the scientific journal PLOS One, researchers led by Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, have discovered a new species of vine snakes-Proahaetulla antique, in the Western Ghats.
- The slender green tree snakes -Proahaetulla antique was found from the Agasthyamalai hills in the southern Western Ghats.
- It had 12-13 partially serrated reptile scales on the upper side, 20 maxillary (upper) teeth and 3 postocular scales lying directly behind and in contact with the eye.
- The snake is actually a member of the Ahaetuliinae clade, which currently comprises of the arboreal snake genera Ahaetulla and others, which spend most of their time on trees.
- It had a sister relationship with all currently known taxa belonging to the genus Ahaetulla which is widely distributed in Peninsular India and Sri Lanka as well as in Southeast Asia, found the team.
- Most of the Asian vine snakes distributed throughout Asia, belong to the genus Ahaetulla.
