VTR emerges as major snake biodiversity hub in state, records rare species

Bettiah: Bihar’s only tiger reserve, the Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR) in West Champaran, has emerged as a major centre of snake biodiversity. A total of 43 snake species have been recorded in the reserve so far, including five species discovered in the last decade that have not been found anywhere else in the state.Wildlife expert Abhishek, who has worked with WWF-TRAFFIC India, said while nearly 3,500 snake species exist worldwide and around 363 species are recorded in India, Bihar has documented only 43—most of them concentrated in the Valmiki forest landscape.“In recent years, the Wildlife Institute of India, in collaboration with the forest department, identified five new snake species in the VTR. These include the Copper Head Trinket (locally known as Vansundari), Twin-Spotted Wolf Snake, Dromelis Black-Headed Snake, Mock Viper, and Salazar Pit Viper (mildly venomous). None of these species have been recorded in any other district of Bihar,” Abhishek said.He added that the latest discovery from the area is the Long-Snout Vine Snake, which has been documented as a new species discovery for India and the world.The reserve has also reported sightings of the Burmese python, an ecologically significant species for Bihar.According to global estimates, around 600 snake species worldwide are venomous. However, only a limited number of venomous species are found in the Valmiki forest ecosystem. Of India’s dangerous “Big Four” snakes—Spectacled Cobra, Common Krait, Russell’s Viper and Saw-Scaled Viper—three species are found in VTR. The Saw-Scaled Viper does not occur in Bihar, he added.“Most snakes are nocturnal and use their tongues to detect chemical signals in the air. Being ectothermic, they depend on external heat sources to regulate body temperature. During extreme cold or heat, they move in search of suitable thermal conditions, which sometimes brings them close to human habitations,” Abhishek explained.West Champaran forest conservator-cum-director Neshamani K said snakes play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance by controlling rodent populations and supporting the natural food chain. Their presence also indicates a healthy forest ecosystem.He said the rising documentation of snake species is the result of improved wildlife monitoring, scientific surveys, and collaboration between forest departments and research institutions. Awareness drives are also being held in fringe villages to reduce fear, prevent snake killings and promote safe coexistence.“VTR is not just about big cats anymore. Its importance as a habitat for lesser-known species such as reptiles and amphibians is equally significant,” Neshamani said.