A rare peach-cream coloured monocled cobra was discovered by People for Animals (PFA) Manipur. Lourembam Biswajit Meitei, Managing Trustee of PFA Manipur, said that this is the first time such a type of cobra has ever been discovered in Manipur, making it a significant event.
According to the report, this snake’s unusual peach-cream colouration is the result of a genetic trait known as classic hypo-melanism, which is characterised by reduced melanin levels in the skin.
The report further explained that this snake is indeed a monocled cobra — identified from its monocle mark and cream-coloured body — though its colour variation is extremely rare.
The lack of pigment makes the snake more vulnerable to predators and other environmental threats, which lowers its survival rate in the wild. People can also easily spot them, making them more vulnerable to attacks, harm and stress. For these reasons, this rare colour morph is generally not found surviving in the wild.
Hypo-melanistic cobras are extremely rare in India, with hardly any recorded cases. The rescue of such a specimen in Manipur is therefore considered the first documented instance in the state.
This peach-cream coloured cobra discovered in Manipur is extremely rare both in the state and in India. PFA stated that despite its unusual colour, it is not albino. Its appearance results from a genetic mutation that produces a rare, lighter colour pattern.
The report said that it was due to the kindness of one Morangthem Meghabarna, a resident of Thoubal Wangmataba Sorok Mathak, that the snake survived till its adult stage. He spotted the snake when it was a baby at his compound lying adjacent to his home.
He did not disturb the snake after spotting it. As the snake lives near a home, its predators hardly come, enabling it to find enough to survive till now.
As the snake has now become an adult, Meghabarna informed PFA Manipur to rescue it and relocate it to another suitable habitat.
PFA reported that the snake has been shifted to PFA’s animal shelter, where it will undergo further observation under the supervision of the Manipur Forest Department.
