In a first, a rare species of Green Cat Snake scientifically known as Boiga Cyenea has been spotted in Manipur.
According to sources, three fellow researchers of the state namely professor of Zoology department, Manipur University, Naorem Mohilal Meitei; Research scholar in Herpetology at the department, Nongthombam Hemeshwor and Wildlife Explorers, Manipur secretary, Elangbam Premjit discovered the existence of the species in the state.
Wildlife Explorers Manipur is a non-governmental organisation solely formed by animal and wildlife lovers and nature enthusiasts.
It may be mentioned that a popular international journal named ‘Reptiles and Amphibians’, published the records of Green Cat Snake in its recent publication.
Speaking to the media, Nongthombam Hemeshwor said that the species was sighted in the state for the first time. He mentioned that another rare snake species was also rescued from Ningthoukhong in Bishnupur district on April 18, 2023 and safely released to its natural habitat.
He asserted that a fully grown Green Cat Snake measures upto 5 feet and hunts at night. The said species is all covered in green colour, he mentioned adding that it nests in trees, is rear fanged and mildly venomous.
The green cat snake feasts mainly on frogs, lizards, other snakes and rats, he continued. He further pointed out that the dorsal scales are usually green in colour however black skin is evident between scales and appears camouflaged in trees.
Hemeshwor went on to say that the rare species is included among the Red List of Threatened species under the least concerned category according to International Union Conservation Network, 2022. The species is widely found in South Asian countries such as India, Bhutan, Nepal, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar and Malaysia, he added.
He mentioned that the species was first sighted in India in Assam in 2013, Mizoram in 2011, Nagaland in 2004, Nicobar Island in 2021 and at Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya and West Bengal in 2023.
He also informed that a photographic voucher of the rare species, which was recently spotted at Ningthoukhong has been kept at University of Kansas’ Herpetology Digital archives. He asserted that Vishal Shantra of Society for Nature Conservation and Community Engagement (CONCERN) helped in identifying the species as a green cat snake.
The three researchers also expressed gratitude to the Chief Conservator of Forest, Manipur for providing them access to do their research as well as Vishal Shantra for identifying the species. They also thanked photographer Jenishkumar Thingujam and Laishram Dijen for their invaluable assistance.
