Two-Headed Wolf Snake in Gujarat

Why in News?

A rare two-headed wolf snake hatchling was discovered in Dhanpur taluka, Dahod district, Gujarat.

• The specimen was rescued by Prakruti Mitra Mandal and subsequently transferred to the Forest Department.
• The case is reportedly the first such record in Gujarat and the fifth reported case in India.
• The condition is referred to as bicephaly or dicephaly (dicephalism).

Bicephaly

• A rare developmental or congenital abnormality.
• This condition occurs when the embryo fails to completely separate during development.
• It results in the presence of two heads on a single body.
• Other terms:
  • Dicephalism
  • Dicephaly
  • Axial bifurcatio

Causes of Bicephaly

• No single definitive cause of bicephaly has been established.
• Potential contributing factors include developmental and environmental influences.
  • Partial fusion of two embryos
  • Abnormally high or low incubation temperatures
  • Oxygen deficiency (anoxia) during development
  • Exposure to radiation
  • Toxic effects resulting from prolonged retention in the oviduct
  • Regeneration following injury

Consequences

• These developmental abnormalities may result in difficulties with the following functions:
  • Locomotion
  • Prey capture
  • Ingestion of food
  • Motor coordination
  • Evasion of predators
• However, survival remains possible if the oesophagus and digestive system develop adequately to permit the passage of food into the digestive tract.

Reference

TOI | Two-Headed Wolf Snake in Gujarat