Two never-before-seen snakes discovered in India with rare body feature

India's rich biodiversity has received a significant boost with the discovery of two snake species never before recorded within its borders.

Scientists from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun, have reported the presence of two rare keelback snakes in the country, marking an important addition to India's reptile fauna.

The study documents the Rakhine Keelback (Herpetoreas davidi) in Ngengpui Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Kachin Hills Keelback (Hebius gilhodesi) in Namdapha National Park and Kamlang Tiger Reserve. Until now, both species were believed to exist only in neighbouring Myanmar.

Researchers say the discovery highlights the ecological continuity between India's northeast and Southeast Asia. The dense forests of Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh form part of a larger biodiversity hotspot that extends into Myanmar, allowing species to move across borders unnoticed.

"These findings underline how underexplored parts of northeast India still are," researchers noted, adding that many species may remain undocumented due to the region's challenging terrain and limited scientific surveys.

WHAT IS A KEELBACK SNAKE?

Keelback snakes are typically non-venomous and are often found near water bodies such as streams and wetlands. Their presence is considered an indicator of healthy ecosystems, particularly in forested and riparian habitats.

One of the most distinctive features of keelback snakes is their "keeled" scales. Each scale has a raised ridge running down its center, giving the snake's skin a noticeably rough and textured feel. This sets them apart from many other snakes, which typically have smooth, glossy scales.

The keeled surface not only gives keelbacks a more rugged appearance but also helps with camouflage, as the texture can break up light reflections and allow them to blend more effectively into natural surroundings like leaf litter, mud, and wetland vegetation.

The newly recorded species are believed to inhabit moist, tropical forest environments, which are increasingly under pressure from habitat loss and climate change.

The discovery also reinforces the importance of protected areas such as Ngengpui Wildlife Sanctuary and Namdapha National Park, both known for their exceptional biodiversity. Namdapha, in particular, is one of India's most species-rich national parks, hosting a wide range of flora and fauna due to its varied altitude and climate.

Scientists emphasise that such findings are crucial not only for taxonomy but also for conservation planning. Identifying species distribution helps authorities design better strategies to protect fragile ecosystems and prevent biodiversity loss.

The study further highlights the need for continued exploration and documentation in India's northeast, a region often referred to as a "biological treasure trove."

With more focused research, experts believe additional undocumented species could soon come to light.