GREAT NICOBAR: In a heartwarming win for Indian wildlife lovers, scientists have announced the discovery of a brand-new snake species from the remote forests of Great Nicobar Island. Named Lycodon nicobaris – the Nicobar Wolf Snake – this shy, non-venomous reptile is the first new wolf snake species reported from the Andaman & Nicobar Islands in 156 years!
The discovery, published today in the international journal European Journal of Taxonomy, has sent ripples of joy across social media, with #LycodonNicobaris and #WildlifeIndia trending nationwide. “Every new species is proof that our forests are still hiding beautiful secrets,” said lead researcher Dr. Patrick David of the Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris, who worked with Indian scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI).
A Snake That Looks Like a Krait But Isn’t!
At first glance, the Nicobar Wolf Snake looks like the deadly Common Krait – shiny black with thin white bands. But look closer: its head is longer, eyes bigger, and the white bands are broken into tiny spots on the back half of the body. These unique scale patterns helped scientists confirm it’s a completely new species.
- Length: Adults grow up to 60 cm (2 feet)
- Colour: Glossy black with 30–40 narrow white crossbands that break into dots towards the tail
- Teeth: Slightly enlarged front teeth – typical of “wolf snakes” that eat skinks and geckos
- Behaviour: Shy, nocturnal, completely harmless to humans
The snake was first spotted in 2023 by ZSI scientist G. Gokulakrishnan during night surveys in Campbell Bay National Park. Three specimens were collected from leaf litter near streams – classic wolf snake habitat. DNA tests and detailed scale counts sealed the deal: it’s different from all 19 known wolf snake species in India.
Why This Discovery Matters
Great Nicobar is one of the most biodiverse yet least-explored places in India. Despite its tiny size (just 1,045 sq km), the island is home to rare species like the Nicobar Megapode, Saltwater Crocodile, and Giant Leatherback Turtles. The new snake adds one more jewel to the crown.
“This shows our islands still hold many secrets,” said Dr. Dhriti Banerjee, Director of ZSI. “But it also reminds us how fragile these forests are – one wrong project can wipe out species we haven’t even named yet.”
The timing couldn’t be more important. The controversial ₹72,000-crore Great Nicobar Mega Project (port, airport, township) is set to clear over 240 sq km of pristine rainforest. Environmentalists fear it could threaten unique species like the Nicobar Wolf Snake.
Social Media Goes Wild
X (formerly Twitter) exploded with adorable-yet-spooky photos of the new snake:
- “Black saree with white polka dots? Fashion icon already! #LycodonNicobaris”
- “Harmless snake that looks like a krait – nature’s best prank! #WildlifeIndia”
- “While we fight over cricket pitches, scientists just gifted us a new species. Priorities, India?”
- “Protect Great Nicobar before the next discovery becomes the last one #SaveNicobar”
Even Bollywood actor Randeep Hooda, a known wildlife enthusiast, posted: “Meet India’s newest resident – the Nicobar Wolf Snake! Let’s make sure it has a home forever #Biodiversity”
What’s Next for Lycodon nicobaris?
- ZSI plans more night surveys to map its population
- IUCN status: Not yet assessed, but likely “Data Deficient” or “Vulnerable” due to tiny range
- Local name suggestions trending on X: “Nicobar Krait-Lookalike”, “Campbell Bay Beauty”, “Black Pearl Snake”
Dr. Gokulakrishnan, who spent months chasing the snake with a torch, laughed in an interview: “We almost stepped on it many times! It’s so well camouflaged on the forest floor. Now every black snake we see feels like a celebrity.”
A Reminder to Protect Our Islands
As India celebrates this tiny black-and-white wonder, scientists have a simple message: Great Nicobar is not just land for development – it’s a living museum of evolution.
“Every new species is a reminder that we are custodians, not owners, of this planet,” said Dr. Banerjee. “Let’s celebrate Lycodon nicobaris by promising to keep its forest home safe.”
Tonight, somewhere in the rain-soaked jungles of Great Nicobar, a shy little wolf snake is sliding through the leaves – completely unaware that it just became India’s newest biodiversity superstar.
FAQ: Everything About India’s Newest Snake
Q1: Is the Nicobar Wolf Snake dangerous?
A: Not at all! Like all wolf snakes (genus Lycodon), it is completely non-venomous and harmless to humans. It eats small lizards and geckos.
Q2: Why is it called a “wolf” snake?
A: Because of slightly enlarged front teeth – like tiny fangs – used to grip slippery skinks. No relation to actual wolves!
Q3: How many wolf snake species are there in India now?
A: 20 (including this new one). Mainland India has 19; Nicobar Wolf Snake is the first from the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Q4: Will the Great Nicobar project harm this snake?
A: Scientists worry yes. The project plans to clear large forest areas where the snake lives. Environmentalists are demanding stronger impact studies and protected corridors.
Q5: Can I see it in a zoo?
A: Not yet. Only three specimens exist in research collections. But ZSI hopes to study it in the wild without disturbing it.