What snake species were found on the Tezpur University campus?

The study at Tezpur University found 15 snake species, including three venomous species: Naja kaouthia, Bungarus fasciatus, and Bungarus lividus.

How does the snake diversity at Tezpur University compare to other Indian universities?

The snake diversity at Tezpur University is relatively lower compared to other university campuses, such as Gauhati University, Madras Christian College, and Mizoram University, which recorded 19, 23, and 42 snake species, respectively.

Home / Environment / Tezpur University Discovers Diverse Snake Population on Campus

Tezpur University Discovers Diverse Snake Population on Campus

Q: What challenges do the snakes face on the Tezpur University campus?

The researchers highlighted roadkill and the shrinking green cover due to construction activities as major challenges for the coexistence of snakes and humans on the Tezpur University campus.

1 Nov

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Summary

15 snake species found on Tezpur University campus
Snakes represent 18% of Assam's and 2.6% of India's total species
Roadkill and shrinking green cover pose challenges for campus reptiles

Tezpur University Discovers Diverse Snake Population on Campus

According to a study conducted in the last two years, higher education institutions across India are home to an average of 25 snake species. The latest research, published in the Journal of Threatened Taxa, focused on the Tezpur University campus in Assam and found 64 snakes belonging to 15 species.

The Tezpur University study, led by researchers from the university's Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology and Department of Environmental Science, revealed that the campus' snake diversity is relatively lower compared to other university campuses where similar studies were carried out. For instance, the Gauhati University study in 2023 identified 19 snake species, while the Madras Christian College and Mizoram University studies in 2024 recorded 23 and 42 species, respectively.

The researchers noted that the Tezpur University campus, with its 1.6 sq. km. area and 75% green cover, serves as a home for various wildlife, including reptiles. However, they also flagged roadkill and the shrinking green cover due to construction activities as major challenges for the coexistence of snakes and humans on the campus.