New Coral Snake Species

Jan. 15, 2024

Researchers from Mizoram University’s zoology department have discovered a new species of coral snake in Mizoram.

About New coral snake species:

It has been named Sinomicrurus gorei after British Indian doctor Gore.
The reptile is locally known as 'Rulṭhihna' due to its striking resemblance to a Mizo traditional amber necklace called 'Ṭhihna'.
There are a total of nine species of Sinomicrurus coral snakes that have been discovered worldwide, and out of these, only one species called Sinomicrurus macclellandi is found in Northeast India.
It has unique patterns and different scales, hemipenis, DNA, and skull.
Until this research, Sinomicrurus gorei was considered the same species as Sinomicrurus macclellandi due to their close resemblance.
The new study also revealed that while Sinomicrurus macclellandi can lay 6-14 eggs at a time, Sinomicrurus gorei lays up to three eggs.
In Mizoram, Sinomicrurus macclellandi is primarily found in hilly or elevated areas, while Sinomicrurus gorei is found in both low-lying and hilly areas.