A team of scientists from Mizoram, in collaboration with researchers from Russia, Germany, and Vietnam, has identified a previously unknown species of reed snake in the state, resolving a long-standing taxonomic confusion and adding a new species to India’s reptile fauna. The discovery, announced on Monday, marks a significant contribution to herpetology and underscores the biological richness of Northeast India.

The newly identified species has been named Calamaria mizoramensis, in honour of Mizoram, the state where it was discovered. The findings were published in the international journal Zootaxa and are based on detailed morphological studies and DNA analysis conducted by the research team, led by HT Lalremsanga, Professor of Zoology at Mizoram University.

Historical Context and Discovery

Specimens of the snake were first collected in Mizoram in 2008 but were initially misidentified as belonging to a widely distributed Southeast Asian species. Subsequent research, combining genetic and morphological studies, revealed that the Mizoram population represents a distinct evolutionary lineage unique to the region.

“The genetic analysis shows over 15 per cent divergence from its closest relatives, a level sufficient to establish it as a separate species,” Lalremsanga said. The study represents over a decade of fieldwork, with specimens collected from forested areas around Aizawl, Reiek, Sihphir, Sawlêng, and parts of Mamit and Kolasib districts.

While Calamaria mizoramensis is currently confirmed only from Mizoram, the researchers note that it may also inhabit neighbouring regions such as Manipur, Nagaland, Assam, and possibly the Chittagong area of Bangladesh. Further surveys are needed to verify its broader distribution.

Physical Characteristics and Behaviour

Members of the genus Calamaria, which now includes 69 recognized species worldwide, are typically small, secretive, and poorly studied. The newly discovered Mizoram species is non-venomous and poses no threat to humans. It is nocturnal and semi-fossorial, meaning it spends a considerable amount of time underground, and prefers humid, forested hill habitats.

The snake has been recorded at elevations ranging from 670 to 1,295 metres above sea level, including areas in close proximity to human settlements, such as the Mizoram University campus. Its secretive nature likely contributed to its late recognition as a distinct species despite being present in the region for years.

Conservation Status

Based on available data, the researchers have tentatively assessed Calamaria mizoramensis as ‘Least Concern’ under IUCN Red List criteria. The species appears across multiple localities, and no major anthropogenic threats have been identified so far. The assessment, however, is preliminary, and ongoing monitoring is recommended to ensure the species’ continued safety in its natural habitat.

Broader Implications

The discovery highlights the need for sustained biological surveys in Northeast India, a region known for its rich but poorly documented biodiversity. Forested hill areas, in particular, remain understudied and likely harbor additional undiscovered species of reptiles, amphibians, and other taxa.

In addition to describing the new reed snake, the study also presents an updated checklist of Mizoram’s herpetofauna, documenting a total of 169 species, including 52 amphibians and 117 reptiles. This comprehensive inventory provides an important baseline for conservation planning and further research in the region.

Lalremsanga emphasized the importance of continued fieldwork: “The discovery of Calamaria mizoramensis underscores how much remains unknown about our local biodiversity. Many species may be overlooked simply because they are small, secretive, or inhabit remote areas. Detailed surveys are essential to understand and protect this rich natural heritage.”

Conclusion

The identification of Calamaria mizoramensis not only corrects a long-standing taxonomic error but also enriches India’s herpetological record. As research in Northeast India continues, more such discoveries are expected, highlighting the ecological significance of the region and the need for proactive conservation measures to preserve its unique fauna.

This new species stands as a reminder of the scientific value of persistent exploration and international collaboration in uncovering the hidden diversity of India’s natural ecosystems.