Calamaria Mizoramensis: Newly Discovered Reed Snake Species in Mizoram

A new species of reed snake has been discovered in Mizoram, named Calamaria Mizoramensis. This species is non-venomous and does not pose a threat to humans.

The discovery was confirmed by a team led by Professor HT Lalremsanga from Mizoram University. The research team included Malsawmdawngliana Fanai and colleagues from Russia, Germany, and Vietnam. Their findings were published in the journal Zootaxa on January 5, 2026.

Professor Lalremsanga explained that the genus Calamaria includes 69 recognized species worldwide, most of which are small and not well studied. The Mizoram species was first found in 2008 on the Mizoram University campus and later in various locations across Mizoram.

Over a decade, the team collected specimens from forested areas around Aizawl, Reiek, Sihphir, and Sawleng, as well as parts of Mamit and Kolasib districts. Genetic analysis revealed that the Mizoram reed snake differs by over 15 percent from its closest relatives, which is significant enough to classify it as a new species.

Currently, the species is confirmed only in Mizoram, but it may also exist in nearby regions. Its presence in other Indian states like Manipur, Nagaland, and Assam is possible, and further confirmation is needed for its occurrence in the Chittagong region of Bangladesh.

Lalremsanga described the species as nocturnal and semi-fossorial, living in humid, forested hill areas. The habitats of Calamaria Mizoramensis in Mizoram have been found at elevations between 670 and 1,295 meters above sea level, including near human settlements like the Mizoram University campus.

The study also provided an updated checklist of Mizoram’s herpetofauna, documenting 169 species, which includes 52 amphibians and 117 reptiles, showcasing the state’s rich diversity.