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Calamaria mizoramensis

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January 06, 2026

Prelims: Current events of national and international importance | Species

Why in News?

The new reed snake species was identified in Mizoram recently.

  • It is a non-venomous reed snake species discovered in Mizoram.
  • Scientific Name – Calamaria mizoramensis
  • Genus – Calamaria, includes 69 recognised species globally, most of which are small, secretive and poorly studied. 
  • Habitat – It inhabits humid, forested hill regions between 670 and 1,295 metres in elevation, often near human settlements.
  • Distribution – It is confirmed in Mizoram, whereas the possible presence is in Manipur, Nagaland, Assam, and Chittagong (Bangladesh).
  • Features – It is small, secretive, with a dark brown to blackish body with faint stripes and a yellow underside.
  • It adapted to underground habitats and poses no threat to humans.

Calamaria mizoramensis

  • Behaviour – It is nocturnal (active at night) and semi-fossorial (lives partially underground or under leaf litter).
  • Genetic comparisons – The Mizoram reed snake exhibits over 15% genetic divergence from related species, confirming its status as a new taxon.
  • Conservation Status – Based on current data, it is tentatively listed as ‘Least Concern’ under the IUCN Red List criteria.

References

  1. Hindustan Times | New reed snake species identified in Mizoram
  2. Assam Tribune | New snake species discovered in Mizoram
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