Guwahati: Nestled in the bustling heart of Guwahati lies Nilachal Hill—a sanctuary of remarkable biodiversity that stands resilient amidst rapid urbanisation. Spanning a modest 2.6 square kilometers, this area, with its dense forest patches, rocky terrains, and meandering streams, has emerged as a haven for diverse snake species.
A groundbreaking study on snake diversity at Nilachal Hill, conducted by researchers Bijay Basfore, Trishna Das, and Abhi Medhi, spanned nearly two years and involved over 400 person-hours of meticulous surveys. The study unveiled an extraordinary array of 21 snake species representing eight families and 18 genera. Among the findings, the Thai Cat Snake (Boiga siamensis), previously undocumented in Guwahati, stood out. This discovery underscores Nilachal Hill’s critical role as a reservoir for uncommon and potentially under-documented wildlife.
Located on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra River, Nilachal Hill’s fringes have witnessed the rapid growth of commercial establishments, including lodges, restaurants, apartments, hostels, and hospitals. Despite these urban pressures, the hill continues to support an ecological mosaic of life.
The snake species recorded range from the striking Ornate Flying Snake (Chrysopelea ornata) to the vulnerable Burmese Python (Python bivittatus), showcasing the rich biodiversity that thrives here. However, the study’s findings also highlight the fragility of this ecosystem, threatened by encroaching urban development and deforestation. Larger fauna, including leopards, which share this habitat, face similar threats.
“The region is home to a wide variety of snake species, showcasing high species richness—many different types of snakes can be found here. However, their populations are unevenly distributed, with some species being abundant while others are extremely rare, indicating low species evenness,” explained Bijay Basfore, the study’s lead author and a PhD scholar at Cotton University.
“In recent years, Nilachal Hill has seen a gradual decline in vegetation due to human encroachment. Yet, it harbors a unique habitat mosaic that is home to a wide array of animals, ranging from small arthropods like the Assam Tarantula (Chilobrachys assamensis) to large mammals like leopards (Panthera pardus). Many of these animals are in regular conflict with humans due to the loss of breeding and foraging grounds,” Basfore added.
The study underscores Nilachal Hill’s significant snake diversity, highlighting the resilience of its ophidian fauna despite anthropogenic pressures. This, in turn, emphasises the urgent need for conservation efforts to preserve the remaining forest fragments.
“Protecting these areas is essential, not just for sustaining wildlife but also for mitigating human-wildlife conflicts in rapidly urbanising regions,” Bijay stated.
To address human-wildlife conflicts, Bijay suggested conducting awareness programs and providing training on appropriate actions and precautions. “The Forest Department, in collaboration with Pandu College, which is located on the hill, can lead this initiative with support from snake rescuers and herpetologists in the city. Additionally, efforts must focus on protecting the remaining forest patches to preserve the hill’s rich wildlife diversity,” he said.
A Call for Conservation
The study’s findings highlight the urgent need to conserve Nilachal Hill’s unique biodiversity. Protecting these fragments of wilderness is not just about safeguarding snakes but also about ensuring a harmonious coexistence between wildlife and the rapidly urbanising human population of Guwahati.
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