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India.com
5 days ago
- Science
- India.com
Rare Narrow-Banded Rain Snake Found In Mizoram Highlights India's Hidden Biodiversity
In a significant boost to India's wildlife conservation and biodiversity research, scientists have discovered a new species of non-venomous snake in the forests of Mizoram. Named the narrow-banded rain snake (Smithophis leptofasciatus), the species belongs to the Smithophis genus and was previously misidentified as Smithophis bicolor. The discovery was made by researchers from Mizoram University in collaboration with conservation group Help Earth. DNA analysis and physical traits confirmed it to be a genetically distinct species. The name leptofasciatus from Greek and Latin roots refers to the snake's slim cream-yellow bands over a glossy black body. Locally, it's known as "Ruahrul". The snake was found in the cool, rainy hill forests of eastern Mizoram, near slow-moving mountain streams at elevations of 900–1,200 meters. The species is nocturnal and prefers monsoon conditions, making it elusive and difficult to study. During their research, scientists observed a gravid female in captivity laying six eggs, providing rare insight into the reproductive cycle of the species. Despite its appearance, the snake is completely harmless to humans. This marks the third known species of Smithophis discovered in Mizoram, following Smithophis atemporalis and Smithophis mizoramensis. The finding reinforces the state's reputation as a biodiversity hotspot, especially for under-documented species like snakes. Researchers warn that while the discovery is exciting, the fragile forest ecosystems where the snake was found are under constant threat from deforestation and development. They urge the government and public to take conservation efforts more seriously.
The Hindu
6 days ago
- Science
- The Hindu
New species of rain snake recorded in Mizoram
GUWAHATI A team of researchers from Mizoram University and Guwahati-based biodiversity conservation group Help Earth have recorded a new species of rain snake from an elevated tropical forest in Mizoram. The narrow-banded rain snake (Smithophis leptofasciatus) has been described in the latest issue of Taprobanica: The Journal of Asian Biodiversity. The authors of the study — Lal Muansanga, Jayaditya Purkayastha, Vanlal Hruaia, Mathipi Vabeiryureilai, Lal Biakzuala, Ht Decemson, Hmar T. Lalremsanga, and Sanath C. Bohra — proposed 'Ruahrul' as the new-to-science snake's Mizo name. Rain snakes are so named because they become more active and visible during the rainy season. The authors said the description was based on detailed morphological and molecular analyses of two collected specimens, along with observations of several live individuals. The new species is distinguished by its narrow, incomplete creamish-white or yellowish-lime transverse bands on a shiny black body — features that set it apart from its close relatives. 'Our study confirmed that this snake, previously identified as Smithophis bicolor, is a genetically and morphologically distinct species. It not only adds to the growing diversity within the genus Smithophis, but also redefines the distribution of previously known species,' Dr. Purkayastha, one of the corresponding authors, said. The species name leptofasciatus is a Greek and Latin hybrid, meaning 'narrow-banded', referencing the snake's distinctive dorsal markings. The narrow-banded rain snake was found inhabiting humid, shaded microhabitats near small streams in forests between 900 and 1,200 meters above sea level. Its semi-aquatic, nocturnal lifestyle was revealed through field observations during the monsoon. A gravid female observed in captivity laid six eggs, providing rare reproductive data for this elusive group. This is the third Smithophis species to be described from Mizoram after the Smithophis atemporalis and the Smithophis mizoramensis. 'The new species reinforces Mizoram's importance as a biodiversity hotspot. The State plays a central role in the evolution and diversification of this genus,' said Dr. Lalremsanga, the co-author and head of the Developmental Biology and Herpetology Lab at Mizoram University. The study recommended additional surveys and habitat assessments, as the narrow range and forest dependency of the narrow-banded rain snake suggest it may be vulnerable to habitat degradation.
Time of India
31-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Assam hosts first snake symposium, flags off app to fight snakebites, boost conservation
1 2 Guwahati: Assam on Thursday took a significant step towards addressing critical issues of snakebite mitigation and snake conservation by hosting its first-ever snake symposium in Guwahati. Organised by the Assam State Biodiversity Board (ASBB), in collaboration with the forest department and other key stakeholders, the event saw the participation of over 130 individuals, including more than 80 trained snake rescuers from across the state, alongside leading national and international herpetology experts. A major highlight of the symposium was the launch of the SARPA app — a technology-driven platform specifically designed to streamline snake rescue operations and monitor snake-human conflict, a particularly pressing issue during the flood season when such encounters escalate. The app empowers citizens to quickly connect with certified snake rescuers, when a snake enters their home. Furthermore, each rescue operation is meticulously logged, creating a valuable data repository that aids experts in tracking snake distribution patterns across Assam. Forest minister Chandra Mohan Patowary, who attended the symposium, reiterated the govt's firm commitment to reducing snakebite mortality and enhancing research capabilities to tackle this urgent public health and conservation challenge. The event also marked the formal launch of the state level steering committee on snakebite mitigation, a crucial body for coordinating efforts. Additionally, a proposal was put forward to establish a state-of-the-art serpentarium in Assam. Gnaneswar Ch, project lead at the Madras crocodile bank trust/centre for herpetology, explained that such a serpentarium would focus on advanced research into snake venom and address region-specific treatment challenges. The symposium further witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ASBB and Help Earth, aimed at promoting snakebite awareness and building capacity at the grassroots level through biodiversity management committees. The event included comprehensive technical sessions covering diverse topics such as snake taxonomy, venom research, ethical rescue practices, and community challenges related to snake encounters.
Hindustan Times
27-07-2025
- Science
- Hindustan Times
2 new Raorchestes frog species found in Meghalaya, named after Khasi culture
Shillong: Two new species of bush frogs — Raorchestes jadoh and Raorchestes jakoid — were discovered by a team of researchers in Meghalaya. A team of researchers from Assam Don Bosco University, Help Earth, and Mizoram University found the frogs --- Raorchestes jadoh and Raorchestes jakoid --- in Meghalaya. (Sourced) The researchers from Assam Don Bosco University, Help Earth, and Mizoram University found the frogs throwing a spotlight on Meghalaya's rich but still largely untapped amphibian diversity. Holiness Warjri, a researcher from Assam Don Bosco University, discovered Raorchestes jadoh at an elevation of 1,655 metres in his village, Langtor, in the Eastern West Khasi Hills. 'Discovering a new species in my own village is both humbling and inspiring. Naming it jadoh—a dish that brings our Khasi families together—was my way of honouring the deep bond between our culture, land, and nature. I hope this frog becomes a symbol of pride for our people,' Warjri said. Also read: Schistura Densiclav: New species of cave-dwelling fish found in Meghalaya Raorchestes jakoid was discovered in Lawbah, East Khasi Hills district, at an elevation of 815 metres. Jakoid derives from the Khasi word for frog. 'This nomenclature honours the Khasi community's rich linguistic and culinary traditions and reinforces the role of indigenous knowledge in conservation,' said the researchers. Also Read: Scientists discover new species of cricket frog in Western Ghats Both frogs belong to the Raorchestes genus—small, tree-dwelling frogs known for their direct development, skipping the tadpole stage entirely—native to the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot. They are part of the Raorchestes parvulus species complex. With these two, seven species of frogs have been documented in the state. Also Read: Pune scientist central to discovery of four new species of parasitic wasps Both frogs were found in disturbed or secondary habitats—close to human settlements—suggesting a degree of ecological tolerance. But researchers cautioned that this does not ensure long-term survival, especially in a region facing rapid habitat loss due to fragmentation and land-use change.
The Hindu
26-07-2025
- Science
- The Hindu
New frog from Meghalaya named after Khasi rice dish
Jadoh, a popular rice-and-meat dish of the matrilineal Khasi community, has lent its name to a new species of small, direct-developing frog recorded from Meghalaya. Another new amphibian recorded by the same team from a different part of the northeastern State has been named jakoid, the Khasi word for 'frog'. Direct-developing frogs are those that bypass the free-swimming tadpole stage and hatch from eggs as froglets or miniature versions of the adults. These new species have been described in the latest issue of the Journal of Threatened Taxa by Holiness Warjri and Madhurima Das of Assam Don Bosco University, Jayaditya Purkayastha of Guwahati-based biodiversity organisation Help Earth, and Hmar Tlawmte Lalremsanga of Mizoram University's Developmental Biology and Herpetology Laboratory. 'The naming of Raorchestes jadoh and Raorchestes jakoid, two bush frogs, is our way of celebrating Khasi culture and drawing attention to the close links between indigenous communities and biodiversity,' Mr Purkayastha said. Raorchestes jadoh was recorded from Langtor in the Eastern West Khasi Hills district at an altitude of 1,655 metres above the mean sea level. Raorchestes jakoid was found in the East Khasi Hills district's Lawbah at an elevation of 815 metres. These frogs were located in bushes and trees near human settlements, indicating a degree of ecological adaptability, although their habitats remain vulnerable to rapid landscape changes, the researchers said. 'Discovering a new species in my village is both humbling and inspiring. I hope naming it jadoh, a dish that brings our Khasi families together, makes this frog a symbol of pride and conservation for our people,' Ms Warjri, the lead author and a resident of Langtor village, said. The researchers combined traditional field methods with advanced genetic and acoustic analyses to confirm the species as new to science. The two frogs' unique calls, morphology, and DNA sequences have placed them within the Raorchestes parvulus species complex. The genus Raorchestes is one of the most diverse in the family Rhacophoridae, currently comprising 80 recognised species. This genus has a wide geographical range from southern and northeastern India to Nepal, extending through Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and southern China, reaching Vietnam, Cambodia, and western Malaysia. Meghalaya is home to around 70 species of amphibians, including R. jadoh and R. jakoid, 20 of which were recorded since 2000, highlighting the importance of the study of amphibians in the landscape of Meghalaya in particular and northeastern India in general.
