New Snake and Crake Species Identified from Great Nicobar Island

Great Nicobar Island continues to reveal exceptional biodiversity, with researchers describing a new snake species and documenting a potentially new bird species from the region. These discoveries add to nearly 40 species reported from the island since 2021, reaffirming its status as one of India’s richest and least explored ecological landscapes.

Discovery of Lycodon irwini

A new wolf snake, “Lycodon irwini”, named in honour of Australian conservationist Steve Irwin, has been described from the east coast of Great Nicobar. Only four records exist so far, signalling extreme rarity. Published in “Evolutionary Systematics”, the study by researchers from Pondicherry University, the Max Planck Institute for Biology and independent naturalists highlights the snake’s restricted distribution. Given potential threats and narrow habitat range, the authors recommend classifying the species as “Endangered” under IUCN criteria.

Great Nicobar Crake: A Possible New Bird Species

Birders have reported the Great Nicobar Crake (“Rallina” sp.), photographed only three times in more than a decade. Detailed in the journal “Indian Birds”, the species shows distinctive morphological traits not seen in known crakes, suggesting it may be new to science. Its ecology, population size and distribution remain poorly understood, underscoring the urgency for further study.

Biodiversity Hotspot with High Endemism

Great Nicobar hosts around 650 plant species and more than 1,800 species of fauna, with some groups exhibiting nearly 24% endemism. Recent discoveries since 2021 include frogs, crabs, geckos and numerous insects. Conservationists note that the frequency of new findings reflects the island’s ecological significance and the need for stronger protection of its tropical rainforests.

Exam Oriented Facts

• “Lycodon irwini” was described in 2025 with only four known records.
• The Great Nicobar Crake has been photographed only three times in a decade.
• Great Nicobar Island supports 650 plant species and over 1,800 fauna species.
• Approximately 24% endemism is recorded among several faunal groups.

Conservation Concerns and Urgency

Experts emphasise that Great Nicobar harbours some of India’s finest remaining tropical rainforests. Continued discoveries highlight the ecological value at stake amid development pressures. Researchers and conservationists argue for comprehensive protection measures to safeguard the island’s unique genetic and species diversity for future generations.