A rare Caspian Cobra (Naja oxiana) was recorded on 2 July 2026 in the Upper Forest Range, Chamba district, Himachal Pradesh; the sighting was captured on video by a forest guard and confirmed by the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department.
Sighting
- Date & place: 2 July 2026, Upper Forest Range, Chamba district, Himachal Pradesh.
- Evidence: Mobile video recorded by a forest guard; state forest department confirmation.
- Historical record: Zoological Survey of India cited the species in Himachal Pradesh in 1976 but lacked photographic or genetic evidence until now.
Species profile
- Scientific name: Naja oxiana.
- Morphology: Large hood, relatively robust body; behaviour reported as aggressive compared with Naja naja.
- Conservation status: IUCN Red List — Near Threatened.
Natural range
- Typical distribution: Central Asia — Afghanistan, Iran, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and parts of Pakistan.
- Range anomaly: Presence in Himalayan foothills is highly unusual for the species.
Conservation & research actions
- Planned measures: Increased monitoring, targeted field surveys and scientific studies by the state forest department.
- Evidence needed: Photographic records and genetic sampling to confirm resident populations and establish provenance.
- Potential outcome: Repeated confirmations could inform regional biodiversity assessments.
Public advisory
- Safety guidance: Maintain safe distance; report sightings to forest authorities; do not attempt to catch or kill the snake.
IASPOINT Booster Facts
- IUCN category meaning: Near Threatened species are close to qualifying for Vulnerable but do not currently meet the criteria.
- Evidence standard: Photographic and genetic data are accepted benchmarks for confirming range extensions in herpetology.