Guwahati, May 19: Scientists have discovered a new species of burrowing snake in Mizoram near the India–Myanmar border and named it after noted H.T. Lalremsanga, recognising his contributions to herpetology and biodiversity research in Northeast India.
The newly identified species, Trachischium lalremsangai, was discovered in Murlen National Park, a biodiversity-rich forest landscape within the Indo–Burma biodiversity hotspot. Researchers later found that a matching specimen had been preserved for more than two decades in the collection of the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco.
The study was conducted by Virender K. Bhardwaj, Amit K. Bal and Chhangte L. Tluanga, along with Zeeshan A. Mirza. The findings were published in the international journal Herpetozoa.
Researchers collected the holotype specimen from Murlen National Park in June 2025 at an elevation of more than 1,500 metres.
During the study, scientists also traced a second specimen in the California museum’s herpetology collection.
The preserved specimen had originally been collected in 2003 from Myanmar’s Chin State, around 90 km from the Mizoram discovery site.
Researchers said the museum specimen played a crucial role in confirming the discovery, as scientists combined data from both specimens for detailed morphological and genetic analyses before formally identifying the snake as a new species.
According to the study, the snake is distinguished by its smooth iridescent scales, brown body with a white-speckled underside, and a unique arrangement of head scales. Genetic analysis further confirmed that it is distinct from other known members of the genus Trachischium.
A member of the research team said the species was named after Dr. Lalremsanga in recognition of his remarkable contributions to herpetology in India, especially in Northeast India.
“Dr. H.T. Lalremsanga has dedicated his career to studying and conserving the biodiversity of northeast India. He has authored numerous papers on various topics and has played a vital role in mentoring students and fostering research collaborations within the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot. The team is proud to name this new snake species after him in tribute to his unwavering dedication and efforts in biodiversity research, particularly in Mizoram,” the researcher said.
“The snakes of this genus are small and secretive, and most look similar. Virender and the team highlighted the uniqueness of this new species, a commendable effort,” said Mirza.
He added that the discovery reflects how poorly documented Northeast India’s biodiversity still remains and stressed the need for greater scientific exploration and funding in the region.
Researchers said the finding highlights the immense yet underexplored reptile diversity of Northeast India and the Indo–Burma biodiversity hotspot, where several new snake species have been described in recent years.
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