Description

Why In News?

Calamaria garoensis, a new species of fossorial reed snake, has been discovered in the Garo Hills of Meghalaya

About Calamaria Garoensis

Researchers discovered a new species of burrowing reed snake, Calamaria garoensis, in the West Garo Hills district of Meghalaya.

Key Characteristics of Calamaria garoensis

This species is distinct from other reed snakes due to specific morphological and genetic traits:

Visual Appearance: Unique pattern featuring longitudinal stripes and a faint nuchal ring (a ring-like marking on the neck).
Scales & Tail: Possesses smooth dorsal scales arranged in 13 rows and a short, non-tapering tail that ends in a blunt, obtuse tip.
Distinct Marking: Broad median black stripe running along the underside of its tail.
Genetic Divergence: Genetically distinct from its closest relative, Calamaria mizoramensis, with a genetic divergence of approximately 6.3%.

Habitat and Distribution

Location: The species is currently known only from the West Garo Hills region, specifically recorded near Oragitok village.
Environment: As a fossorial (burrowing) species, it inhabits moist forests, spending most of its time hidden under leaf litter, logs, and soil.
Diet: They are non-venomous and prey upon small, soft-bodied invertebrates like earthworms and insect larvae.

Source: TIMESOFINDIA

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PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. In which Indian state was the new snake species Calamaria garoensis discovered?

A) Assam

B) Mizoram

C) Meghalaya

D) Arunachal Pradesh

Answer: C

Explanation

Researchers recently identified Calamaria garoensis, a new species of non-venomous burrowing reed snake in Meghalaya's West Garo Hills.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

It is a newly discovered species of fossorial (burrowing) reed snake found in the West Garo Hills district of Meghalaya. It lives underground or under decaying logs and feeds on soft-bodied invertebrates like earthworms.

Its discovery highlights the immense, undocumented biodiversity of the Indo-Burma Hotspot. Furthermore, its presence serves as an important bio-indicator of undisturbed, moisture-rich soil and a healthy, functioning forest floor ecosystem.

PES is a conservation model where landowners or indigenous communities receive direct financial incentives for preserving natural habitats. In Meghalaya, a state and World Bank-backed PES program is successfully used to encourage the protection of forests and micro-ecosystems like Living Root Bridges.