Shillong, Dec 29: For nearly two decades, a mystery lingered unnoticed in the collections of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) in Shillong—two overlooked lizard specimens, quietly waiting to reveal their story. These unassuming reptiles, collected in 2005 from Nagaland’s Mon District, were recently identified as the Khasi Hills Long-tailed Lizard (Takydromus khasiensis), marking the species’ first confirmed presence in the state.
Previously known to inhabit Meghalaya, Assam, and West Bengal, Takydromus khasiensis had never been recorded in Nagaland—until now.
Their identification was far more than a routine archival update; it was a reminder of the transformative insights hidden within museum collections. These lizards, virtually unnoticed for nearly two decades, have now bridged a critical gap in the species’ known range, adding a new chapter to Nagaland’s rich ecological narrative.
The specimens were originally collected by Rosamma Mathew on August 6, 2005, during a survey along a subtropical forest trail near the Mon Forest Rest House in Mon District—one of India’s least explored regions. Carefully preserved in ZSI archives (catalogued as VR/ERS/ZSI/212 A–B), they were formally identified and described in the journal Reptiles & Amphibians by Sumidh Ray of ZSI Calcutta.
“It was deposited in ZSI, Shillong. Last year we visited the Shillong center and identified the two specimens,” Ray said.
A detailed examination revealed distinctive features: keeled scales along the flanks, dorsal plates arranged in four longitudinal rows, and dimensions including snout-vent lengths of approximately 49.7 mm and tail lengths exceeding 150 mm. These traits confirmed their classification as Takydromus khasiensis.
This discovery significantly extends the known range of the Khasi Hills Long-tailed Lizard, underscoring the biodiversity of Nagaland’s subtropical forests. It also underscores the indispensable role of museum collections in advancing scientific knowledge. Overlooked specimens, like these lizards, can unlock hidden narratives of biodiversity and inspire further exploration.
Nagaland, with its unique and largely untapped habitats, may hold many more such discoveries, waiting for the right moment to come to light.
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 in Shillong—two overlooked lizard specimens, quietly waiting to reveal their story. These unassuming reptiles, collected in 2005 from Nagaland’s Mon District, were recently identified as the Khasi Hills Long-tailed Lizard (Takydromus khasiensis), marking the species’ first confirmed presence in the state.){kind=link}