An updated checklist of the reptiles of Meghalaya, India

Abstract

Meghalaya, a hill state in Northeast India, forms part of the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot and is noted for its steep terrain, humid forests, and high rainfall, which support a rich reptile fauna. We present an updated, evidence-based checklist of reptiles from Meghalaya compiled from authoritative literature, voucher-based catalogues, and recent field observations. This synthesis records 105 species in 27 families: 64 snakes, 29 lizards, and 12 turtles/tortoises. Family-level richness peaks in Colubridae (42 spp.) among snakes and Gekkonidae (13 spp.) among lizards, while chelonians are few but disproportionately threatened. Conservation assessment shows 15 species (14.3%) are in Threatened categories (Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable), with turtles/tortoises bearing the highest burden (10 of 12 species, 83.3%). Recent discoveries such as new Cyrtodactylus geckos and records of Calotes zolaiking and Smithophis bicolor reflect ongoing taxonomic and distributional work, particularly in upland and karst habitats. The checklist highlights the need for further surveys, especially in caves, riparian systems, and isolated forest patches, to resolve Data Deficient and Not Evaluated taxa and to uncover likely micro-endemic species. This compilation provides a robust baseline for biodiversity monitoring, Red List assessments, and conservation planning in Meghalaya.