New species of non-venomous snake recorded in Mizoram
The Hindu
Herpetoreas murlen, the only one of its species in India inhabiting areas beyond 1,700 metres above sea level, is named after the State’s Murlen National Park
GUWAHATI
Herpetologists in Mizoram have recorded a new species of non-venomous snake living away from sources of water unlike its six recognised sister-species.
The new-to-science snake named “lenrul”, meaning high-elevation snake in the Mizo language, is the only one of its kind in India found beyond 1,700 metres above the mean sea level.
The snake’s scientific name is Herpetoreas murlen, derived from the place it was found – the 200 sq. km Murlen National Park in Champhai district of Mizoram.
The colubrid (belonging to the Colubridae family) snake, the seventh nominal species in the genus Herpetoreas, has been described in the latest issue of Salamandra, a German journal of herpetology or study of reptiles and amphibians.
The study was authored by Hmar Tlawmte Lalremsanga and Lal Biakzuala of Mizoram University’s Department of Zoology, Amit Kumar Bal of Amity Institute of Forestry and Wildlife, and Gernot Vogel of the Society for South East Asian Herpetology based in Germany’s Heidelberg.
The specimens analysed in this study were obtained during fieldwork carried out between 2018 and 2021 in Mizoram.
Ranya Rao, caught smuggling gold at Kempegowda International Airport, claimed innocence, but agencies suspect syndicate involvement.
World Sleep Day: More than 26% of professionals said they are getting less than six hours of sleep in the night, a problem even more pronounced among entrepreneurs.
Samuel Browne's botanical explorations in 17th-century Madras offer insights into traditional plant uses and changing flora over time.
CPS Abolition Movement protests in Dindigul urging State government to implement old pension scheme promised by DMK.
Union Finance Minister criticizes removal of Indian currency symbol '₹' in Tamil Nadu Budget 2025-26 documents, citing national unity concerns.
State government provides ₹100 crore to KMRL for Kakkanad extension, speeding up construction and addressing funding issues.
ED joins probe into gold smuggling case involving Kannada actor Ranya Rao, raids multiple locations in Bengaluru.
Bombay High Court questions Maharashtra government on failure to register FIR against police officers in custodial death case.
Uttar Pradesh Minister Sanjay Nishad faces backlash for suggesting those who have issues with Holi colours should leave the country.
Tamil Nadu sees improved Olive Ridley turtle nesting season with over 2.5 lakh eggs collected, efforts to protect marine life.
Speeding bus crash on Paramakudi-Madurai highway kills woman, injures 23; driver flees scene, causing critical injuries.
Transport Minister flags off private and KSRTC buses from Goshree islands to Kochi city, improving public transportation.
TSPSC clarifies Group-I Mains exam evaluation process, releases key statistics, and addresses misinformation, ensuring fairness and transparency.