New species of snake discovered in this state of India, comes out at night – lives underground

Scientists have discovered a new species of reed snake in the northeastern Indian state of Mizoram. According to the information, through this discovery the long standing taxonomic misidentification has been rectified. Also a previously unknown species has been added to the reptile fauna of India. Let us tell you that the discovery has been made jointly by a team of scientists from Mizoram and researchers from Russia, Germany and Vietnam. Let us know what has been known so far about this snake.

What was the name of the snake?

HT Lalremsanga, professor of Zoology Department of Mizoram University and leader of the research team, has informed that the new species of reed snake discovered by scientists has been named ‘Calamaria Mizoramensis’. This name of the snake is named after the state where it was discovered. HT Lalremsanga has said that the results of this discovery have been published in the international scientific journal Zootaxa on Monday, which are based on detailed morphological examination and DNA analysis.

In which other areas can these snakes be found?

Professor Lalremsanga has further informed that till now this new species of reed snake has been confirmed only in the state of Mizoram. But its presence in neighboring states also cannot be denied. Information has been given in the study that it can be present in neighboring states like Manipur, Nagaland and Assam. Its possible expansion into the Chittagong area of ​​Bangladesh also requires further confirmation.

Samples collected over a decade

Professor HT Lalremsanga has told that the samples of this snake were first collected in Mizoram in the year 2008. However, they were previously considered to be part of a species widespread in south-east Asia. However, the new study proves that the Mizoram population leads a distinct evolutionary lineage that is unique to the state. The research team analyzed samples collected over a decade from forest areas in Aizawl, Riek, Sihphir and Soleng, as well as parts of Mamit and Kolasib districts. After this, genetic comparison was done and it was found that the reed snake of Mizoram is more than 15 percent different from its closest known relatives. This much difference is considered enough to recognize a new species.

How dangerous is this snake?

Let us tell you that ‘Calamaria genus’ includes 69 species identified worldwide. Most of these identified species are small, hidden and less studied. The special thing is that the snake species found in Mizoram is not poisonous and is not a threat to humans. This snake comes out at night and lives underground. This snake lives in moist, wooded mountainous areas and has been recorded at an altitude of 670 to 1,295 meters above sea level. Researchers believe that this discovery strengthens the need for continuous biological surveys in North-East India, especially in the forested hilly areas. Little is still known about many of the species here. (Input: PTI)

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