Just a year after its historic rediscovery by researchers, the rare Borna snakehead (Channa amphibeus) is facing a fresh crisis. The Thackeray Wildlife Foundation (TWF) has issued an urgent appeal to Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, warning that the micro-endemic freshwater fish is being heavily targeted by poachers to supply the international aquarium trade.

Rare Borna snakehead rediscovered in 2025 faces poaching threat

Native exclusively to the Chel River basin in northern West Bengal, the species was first described in 1845 before virtually disappearing from scientific records for more than 80 years. Its rediscovery by the TWF team in 2025 marked a major milestone for Indian conservation. However, the initial excitement has quickly turned to concern.