India, Nov. 15 -- Guwahati (Assam) [India], November 15 (ANI) In a remarkable discovery, the Assam State Zoo team has documented the first state record of albinism in the Checkered Keelback (Fowlea piscator) in Assam.

Albinism is an extremely rare genetic trait in wild snakes, characterised by the absence of melanin pigment, resulting in pale colouration and, often, red eyes.

On the evening of June 1, 2024, a juvenile albino male Checkered Keelback measuring 290 mm was found near the Assam State Zoo in Guwahati.

The identity of the snake was confirmed through detailed inspection of its appearance and scalation, which matched published descriptions for Fowlea piscator.

After careful observation and study by Assam State Zoo researchers,...