Meghalaya’s Khasi Hills at the heart of a major reptilian discovery

Scientists unravel the mystery of a long-lost snake species, reinforcing the state’s biodiversity significance

Guwahati, March 20: A new study has provided the first comprehensive taxonomic revision and genetic analysis of Hebius khasiensis, a snake originally described by British zoologist George Albert Boulenger in 1890. The research, published in Zootaxa, not only resolves a century-old taxonomic confusion but also leads to a major discovery—the revalidation of Natrix gilhodesi, a species that had been lost to science for nearly 100 years.

For the first time, scientists used mitochondrial DNA to confirm that N. gilhodesi, described in 1925 but later synonymized with H. khasiensis is a distinct species. Previously, both snakes were believed to belong to the same taxon. However, molecular analysis and morphological comparisons revealed that N. gilhodesi is genetically distinct and geographically restricted to Myanmar. This marks the first definitive confirmation of the species’ separate identity and range.

Meghalaya’s Role in the Discovery

The Khasi Hills played a crucial role in this discovery, providing the specimens necessary to distinguish H. khasiensis from N. gilhodesi. Extensive fieldwork in Meghalaya, including collections from Mairang in Eastern West Khasi Hills, yielded new specimens that helped scientists conduct a comparative study with historical samples from Myanmar.

“This research underscores Meghalaya’s importance as a hotspot for reptilian diversity,” said lead researcher Sanath Chandra Bohra from Help Earth, Guwahati. “The Khasi Hills were instrumental in distinguishing H. khasiensis from N. gilhodesi.”

“This study provides the redescription of Hebius khasiensis for the first time since it’s description in the 1890’s” he said adding this is the first time, that genetic data of H. Khasiensis has been provided.

A significant outcome of the study is the designation of an adult female specimen from the Khasi Hills as the lectotype of H. khasiensis, a crucial step in stabilizing its classification. This is the first time a lectotype has been assigned to the species, ensuring future clarity in its identification.

Conservation Challenges and Future Research

The revalidation of N. gilhodesi has important conservation implications. Meghalaya’s Khasi Hills, where H. khasiensis thrives, are increasingly threatened by deforestation, mining, and habitat fragmentation. Similarly, the newly recognized N. gilhodesi in Myanmar faces similar environmental risks.

“With the Khasi Hills playing such a crucial role in reptilian research, it is imperative to prioritize habitat conservation,” said H T Lalremsanga a co-author of the study from Mizoram University “Many species in this region remain scientifically unexplored, and we must document them before habitat destruction erases their existence.”

This study also highlights Meghalaya’s untapped potential for herpetological research. Scientists believe that other reptile species in the region may have been misclassified due to a lack of historical data. The combination of field surveys, genetic research, and museum specimen analysis could lead to further discoveries, reinforcing the Khasi Hills’ role as a key centre for biodiversity studies.

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