Mizoram's Hidden Secret: Scientists Uncover New Species of Non-Venomous Reed Snake

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In a groundbreaking discovery, a team of scientists from Mizoram, accompanied by researchers from Russia, Germany, and Vietnam, has identified a new species of reed snake in the state. The species, Calamaria Mizoramensis, was previously mistaken for a Southeast Asian cousin. According to Dr. HT Lalremsanga, a professor at Mizoram University's Zoology Department and lead researcher, the snake was first collected in Mizoram in 2008 but was misidentified. Detailed morphological examinations and DNA analysis revealed that it is, in fact, a distinct evolutionary lineage unique to the state. The research team analyzed specimens from various districts, including Aizawl, Reiek, and Mamit. Genetic comparisons showed that the Mizoram reed snake differs by over 15% from its closest known relatives, a level of divergence that warrants recognition as a new species. While its presence in neighboring regions, including parts of India and Bangladesh, cannot be ruled out, it is currently confirmed only in Mizoram. The newly identified species is non-venomous and poses no threat to humans. It is nocturnal, semi-fossorial, and inhabits humid, forested hill environments at elevations ranging from 670 to 1,295 meters above sea level. The researchers have tentatively assessed the species as 'Least Concern' under the IUCN Red List criteria due to its presence in multiple localities and the absence of major threats. This discovery highlights the importance of continued biological surveys in Northeast India, particularly in forested hill regions where many species remain poorly documented. The study also presents an updated checklist of Mizoram's herpetofauna, documenting 169 species, including 52 amphibians and 117 reptiles.