Lycodon Zawi

Lycodon zawi, commonly known as Zaw’s wolf snake, is a species of nonvenomous colubrid snake native to parts of South Asia and Southeast Asia. It is a relatively recently described member of the genus Lycodon and is primarily associated with forested landscapes of the Indo-Myanmar region. The species is notable for its restricted yet expanding known range, distinctive banded coloration, and contribution to understanding reptile diversity within one of the world’s major biodiversity hotspots.

Taxonomy and Discovery

Lycodon zawi was formally described in 2001 by Joseph Bruno Slowinski and colleagues following herpetological surveys in northeastern India and northern Myanmar. Its description added to the growing recognition of cryptic snake diversity in the Indo-Burma region, an area characterised by complex biogeography and high endemism.
The species belongs to the family Colubridae, which encompasses the majority of the world’s snake species and includes a wide range of nonvenomous forms. Within the genus Lycodon, L. zawi is distinguished by a combination of scalation features, colour pattern, and geographic distribution.

Etymology

The specific name zawi is a patronym honouring U Khin Maung Zaw, former Director of the Myanmar Nature and Wildlife Conservation Division. The naming recognises his contributions to wildlife conservation and biodiversity research in Myanmar. The etymology has been documented in authoritative zoological references, including The Eponym Dictionary of Reptiles.

Geographic Range and Distribution

Lycodon zawi is distributed across parts of South Asia and Southeast Asia. Its confirmed range includes Bangladesh, northeastern India, and Myanmar. In India, the species has been recorded from the states of Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Tripura. Subsequent records, particularly from Tripura, have extended its known distribution and highlighted the likelihood of a wider presence within suitable habitats in the region.
The species occurs within the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot, an area recognised for its exceptionally high species richness and levels of endemism. Its distribution appears to be patchy, reflecting both genuine ecological constraints and limited survey coverage.

Habitat and Ecology

Zaw’s wolf snake is primarily associated with forested habitats. It has been recorded from evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, particularly in areas close to streams and moist forest floors. Observations indicate that the species occurs at relatively low elevations, although precise altitudinal limits remain poorly defined.
Like other members of the genus Lycodon, L. zawi is nocturnal. During daylight hours, it is presumed to shelter under logs, leaf litter, stones, or within crevices. At night, it becomes active on the ground in search of prey. Its association with moist forest environments distinguishes it from some congeners that prefer drier or more open habitats.
Ecologically, Lycodon zawi functions as a small predator within forest ecosystems, contributing to the regulation of reptile populations.

Physical Description

Dorsally, Lycodon zawi is brownish black in colour with a series of white crossbands extending along the body. These contrasting bands are characteristic of many wolf snakes and may provide camouflage in dappled forest light or among leaf litter. Ventrally, the snake is cream-coloured, with a relatively uniform appearance.
The species is moderately small in size. Adults can reach a total length of approximately 48 centimetres (about 19 inches), including the tail. The body is slender, and the head is only slightly distinct from the neck, a typical feature of Lycodon species. The eyes are moderate in size with round pupils, consistent with nocturnal activity.
The overall appearance of L. zawi can lead to superficial confusion with other banded snakes, although it is nonvenomous and poses no threat to humans.

Behaviour and Diet

Lycodon zawi is secretive and non-aggressive. When encountered, it is likely to attempt escape rather than confrontation. Defensive biting may occur if the animal is handled, but such bites are harmless and of no medical significance.
The species feeds mainly on small lizards, particularly skinks and geckos. These prey items are abundant in forest habitats and are typically active during periods that overlap with the snake’s nocturnal foraging behaviour. Like other wolf snakes, L. zawi uses its enlarged anterior teeth to grasp and restrain prey rather than subdue it with venom.

Reproduction and Life History

Lycodon zawi is oviparous, reproducing by laying eggs. Detailed information on its reproductive cycle, including clutch size, breeding season, and incubation period, remains limited. However, it is likely that reproduction is timed to coincide with periods of higher humidity and prey availability, as observed in related species.
Eggs are presumably deposited in concealed, humid microhabitats such as under rotting logs or within soil cavities. Hatchlings are expected to be independent from birth and to exhibit colour patterns similar to those of adults.

Scientific and Conservation Significance

The discovery and subsequent documentation of Lycodon zawi have underscored the incomplete state of knowledge regarding snake diversity in northeastern India and Myanmar. The species has featured in studies focused on regional biodiversity, range extensions, and the herpetofauna of the Indo-Burma hotspot.
Although not currently recognised as highly threatened, Lycodon zawi may be vulnerable to habitat loss due to deforestation, infrastructure development, and forest degradation across its range. Its apparent reliance on forested environments and proximity to streams suggests sensitivity to environmental change.