About Trachischium lalremsangai:
- It is a new species of burrowing snake.
- It was discovered in Murlen National Park, Mizoram, a biodiversity-rich forest landscape within the Indo–Burma biodiversity hotspot.
- The species was named after Dr. Lalremsanga in recognition of his remarkable contributions to herpetology (the study of reptiles and amphibians) in India, especially in Northeast India.
- The snake is distinguished by its smooth iridescent scales; brown body with a white-speckled underside; and a unique arrangement of head scales.
Key Facts about Murlen National Park:
- It is located in the Champhai district of Mizoram near the Indo-Myanmar border.
- It lies within the Mizo Hills, part of the Patkai range.
- The climate is subtropical, with heavy rainfall from May to September and mild winters from November to February.
- Vegetation: It has different forest types, namely tropical semi-evergreen, subtropical broadleaved, submontane, bamboo, grassland, and cliff vegetation.
- Flora:
- It is home to a variety of plant species, including species of medicinal plants and many varieties of orchids.
- Among others, bamboo brakes, rhododendrons, and unique flowering trees cover vast expanses of the forest.
- Fauna:
- It harbours mammal species, including the Bengal tiger, leopard, Himalayan black bear, and the endangered hoolock gibbon.
- Avian life thrives here hosting bird species such as Hume’s pheasant (State bird) and the kalij pheasant.
