Guwahati: Researchers have identified two previously unknown species of venomous snakes in Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland, marking the first record of these snakes in India.
The snakes are the Suzhen’s krait (Bungarus suzhenae) and the Zayuan pit viper (Ovophis zayuensis). The Suzhen’s krait was found along the Jessami-Meluri road bordering Nagaland and Manipur, while the Zayuan pit viper was discovered near the Dri River bank in Arunachal Pradesh’s Dibang Valley district.
These discoveries add to the existing diversity of venomous snakes in northeastern India. Previously home to 21 species from the Viperidae and Elapidae families, the region’s list now expands to 23.
Notably, the Northeast boasts the highest diversity of kraits in India, with five out of the eight known species found there.
The study, published in the journal Threatened Taxa by researchers from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and the Natural History Museum, London, highlights the lack of comprehensive research on snakes in Northeastern India.
This is particularly concerning considering the deadliness of some krait species, like the Suzhen’s krait
“Despite fatalities caused by other Bungarus species, commercially available antivenom only targets the common krait (B. caeruleus). This finding emphasizes the lack of systematic studies on these snakes in the region,” said Abhijit Das of WII.
The study also suggests that the actual range of the Zayuan pit viper in Arunachal Pradesh might be much larger than currently known. Similarly, further investigation is needed to determine the distribution of the highly venomous Suzhen’s krait in Northeast India.
“Accurate identification of these venomous species, along with understanding their geographic distribution through genetic data, is crucial,” the study stresses. “This knowledge is vital for public awareness, venom research, and the development of life-saving antivenoms.”
The research underscores the importance of recognizing other medically significant snakes, particularly those in Northeast India, to advance snakebite treatment and antivenom production.