12 Nov 2024        10:23:41 am

Environmental Ecology

Red Sand Boa

Tags : Red Sand Boa

Topic: Biodiversity

Why in the news?

• Mumbai police arrested four individuals for attempting to sell a rare red sand boa, known as \'Mandul,\' valued at Rs30 lakh. 
• The suspects were caught during a planned operation and admitted their intent to use the snake for traditional medicine and black magic. They face charges under several sections of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

Source: The Hindu 

About Red Sand Boa:

• It is commonly called the Indian Sand Boa.
• It is a non-venomous species.
• It is primarily reddish-brown.
• It is a thick-set snake that grows to an average length of 75 cm.
• Unlike most snakes, the tail is almost as thick as the body and gives the reptile the appearance of being \"double-headed\".
• The Red Sand Boa is the largest of the sand boa in the world. 
• It is nocturnal and spends the majority of its time under the ground.
• It is found in the whole of India excluding North-east states and North-Bengal. It is also not found in Indian islands.
• Status:
  • IUCN Red List: Near Threatened
  • Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES): Appendix II
  • Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972: Schedule IV
• Threats to Red Sand Boa include:
  • Expansion of human settlements and activities.
  • Demand upsurge in pet trade, as well as for use in black magic.
  • Poached for perceived medicinal benefits.

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