Exploring the habitats of northeast India led Maharashtra-based ace researcher Dr Varad Giri and his team to the scientific discovery of a new species of snakes — Smithophis Atemporalis or the Mizo rain snake — which is being considered as a very important development in the field of wildlife and reptile research.

Speaking to mid-day, Dr Giri said, "I am very happy to share that due to our team's hard-work, a new species of snakes has been discovered in Mizoram. The new genus, Smithophis, is named after eminent British herpetologist, Malcom A Smith for his incredible contribution to the field of Indian herpetology."