A green vine snake, a mildly venomous and almost extinct mammal species that locals call a flying “Laudaga” snake, was found in Kalapara Upazila of Patuakhali.
Scientifically named Ahaetulla nasuta, the snake is about five feet long.
The snake was spotted injured at around noon on Saturday on the road adjacent to Baliatali Union of the upazila.
According to locals, the snake was crushed under the wheels of a vehicle. However, upon rescue, it was released in the Baliatali forest.
Rakayet Ahsan, team leader of Animal Lovers of Patuakhali's Kalapara branch, said: “The reptile is almost extinct in the locality. The snake was released by locals even before our team reached the spot.”
Sagarika Smriti, assistant biodiversity researcher of the private development organization World Fish, said that these snakes are of a dark green color with a flat head and a long shape.
“Their main food is spiders. Additionally, these snakes eat and destroy harmful insects of various green plants,” Sagorika said.
Locals said the species was commonly found in the area even 20 years ago.