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Reptile Rap Newsletter of the South Asian Network ISSN 2230-7079 No.16 | March 2014 Date of publication: 27 March 2014

www.zoosprint.org/Newsletters/ReptileRap.htm

OPEN ACCESS | FREE DOWNLOAD REPTILE RAP #16, March 2014 Contents

A case of total in Common Kukri arnensis () with an unusual colour pattern Manoj Jadhav, Anil Mahabal, Vivek Desai & Jatin Shrivastav, 3-5pp

Reptiles of Ousteri Riparian Areas, Puducherry, R. Alexandar & J. Jayakumar, 6-14pp

Reptile Diversity of Taranga Hill-Forest, North Gujarat, India C. D. Patel, D. I. Bhavsar & M. I. Patel, 15-23pp

Record of East Indian Leopard Eublepharis hardwickii Gray, 1827 (: Sauria: ) from Hazaribag, , India Satya Prakash, M. Raziuddin & A. K. Mishra, 24-26pp

Cases of unusual colour morph in Russell’s Viper russelii (Shaw & Nodder, 1797) from Gujarat, India Harchil Patel & Shantilal K. Tank, 27-30pp

Cases of Albinism in from Maharashtra, India Ram Bhutkar & Anil Mahabal, 31-35pp

Occurence and Observation on Morphological Colour Pattern Changes of Ramphotyphlops braminus (Daudin, 1803) in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India V. Rangasamy, C. Sivaperuman & C. Raghunathan, 36-38pp

Report of Dieurostus dussumierii from a beach in Kochi, Kerala Doki Adimallaiah, 39-40pp

2 REPTILE RAP #16, March 2014 A case of total albinism in Common Kukri Snake Oligodon arnensis (Colubridae) with an unusual colour pattern

Manoj Jadhav1, Anil Mahabal2, Vivek Desai3 & Jatin Shrivastav4 1,2 Zoological Survey of India, WRC, Akurdi, Pune, Maharashtra 411044, India. 3G. No. 29, Plot No. 51, Near Hanuman Temple, Jalgoan, Maharashtra 425001, India. 4 Plot No. 68, Jeevan Nagar, Jalgoan, Maharashtra 425001, India. [email protected] (corresponding author), [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]

Albinism occurs in all the groups general, the cases of total (complete, true or including . Albinism (Latin ‘albus’ pure) albinism are very rare in nature. meaning white) is a form of hypopigmentary congenital disorder, characterized by lack of On 6 June 2011 around 10.30hr an and an with such a unusually coloured snake was rescued by condition could have either pure or partial two authors (VD and JS) from a residential albinism (Cyril 2009). Further, it is due to area of Muktainagar Colony, Muktainagar a genetically inherited condition in which a (21°14’.47”N & 75°32’.89”E), Jalgoan District, recessive gene affects enzymes involved in Maharashtra. It was a sub-adult Common the metabolism of various Kukri Snake, Oligodon arnensis (Shaw, 1802) . Spadola & Insacco (2010) have (Colubridae) with total body length of 32.0 indicated that albinism is due to blockade of cm. It was photographed and released in a metabolic pathways of melanophores leading to nearby locality but away from the residential melanin synthesis. If such metabolic alteration area. Dorsally, the snake was golden- impacts skin and melanophores it results in yellow in colour with 29 light brown bands complete albinism and if it impacts only skin or or bars which become more and more pale eye melanophores then it leads to incomplete from anterior to posterior part of body near or partial albinism. Partial albinism consists tail. The bands tapered laterally and clearly of presence of achromatic areas on various broader on the upper side. The head showed parts of the body. Sazima & Pombal (1986) three brownish coloured typical arrow shaped have stated that true albinos are recognized markings. Ventrally the belly was whitish to by their pinkish-yellowish body colour and light cream in colour without any spots or reddish in life. Besides this there are markings. The eyes were pinkish-red in colour other pigment abnormalities causing various (Images 1 & 2). Generally, the normal (non- colour morphs and patterns in . In albinistic) specimens have regular olive grey

Image 1. Lateral view of head showing pinkish-red eye REPTILE RAP #16, March 2014

Image 2. Dorsal view showing arrow marks on head and 29 bars on body

coloured body with 22-45 black or very dark horizontal bands but only changed from black brown bands or bars between neck and tail. into brown to pale brownish colour indicate Head with three conspicuous black arrow that this Common Kukri Snake Oligodon shaped marks, often narrowly bordered with arnensis could be a case of total albinism with white or yellow. Ventrally the belly is glossy an unusual colour pattern. white to ivory in colour with or without black spots. Eyes are black in colour with rounded Similarly, Vyas (2012) has reported a case pupil (Sharma 2003; Whitaker & Captain of albinistic Common Kukri Snake Oligodon 2004). arnensis (Shaw, 1802) from Gujarat State. The entire body of the snake was golden-yellow Hence, because of the light golden-yellow in colour dorsally with 35 light lavender blue colour body with pinkish-red eyes and the usual bands, light pinkish-lavender chevron marks presence of arrow-shaped head markings and on the head. The belly was yellow-cream in

4 REPTILE RAP #16, March 2014 colour without any markings and the eyes References were pinkish-red in colour. He described the above case as an example of partial albinism as Basu, D. & S. Srivastava (2003). A case of albinism in Kachuga tentoria circumdara (Testudines: the functional melanophores were absent but Bataguridae). Hamadryad 27(2): 254. xanthophores were evidently still functioning Cyril, R.K. (2009). Record of albino Indian Flapshell in the pigmentary system. (Lissemys punctata) from Adyar Wetland, South India. (2): 10-11. Hoshing, V., S. Thakur & A. Mahabal. (2013). Cases A perusal of literature revealed that of total albinism in Green Keelback Macropisthodon there are a number of instances of complete, plumbicolor and Common Wolf Snake aulicus incomplete and partial albinism in Indian (Colubridae). Reptile Rap, 15: 46-47. Jadhav, M. & A. Mahabal. (2012): Sighting of albino reptiles in general and snakes in particular Common Sand Boa conicus from Northern (Lahiri 1955; Whitaker 1971; Basu & Srivastava Western Ghats, Maharashtra. Journal of Bombay 2003; Cyril 2009; Vyas 2012, 2013; Vyas et Natural History Society 109(3): 205. Lahiri, R.K. (1955). A ‘White’ Python. Journal of Bombay al. 2012; Sayyed 2012; Hoshing et al. 2013; Natural History Society 53 (1): 135-136. Jadhav & Mahabal (in press)). Sayyed, A. (2012). The Distribution of Albino Green Keelback. http://www.indiawilds.com/diary/the- The present case of total albinism with distribution-of-albino-green-keelback/ accessed on 10 February 2013. an unusual colour pattern in Common Kukri Sazima, I. & J.P. Pombal (1986). Um albino de Oligodon arnensis could be the first report Rhamdella minuta, com notas sobre comportamento from Maharashtra and second case from (Osteichthyes, Pimelodidae). Revista Brasileria de Biologia 46(2): 377-381. India. Sharma, R.C. (2003). Handbook-Indian Snakes. (Published- Director, Zoological Survey of India, Acknowledgments Kolkata) 1-292pp. Spadola, F. & G. Insacco (2010). Incomplete albinism in Discoglossus pictus (Otth, 1837). Acta Herpatologica, The authors express their sincere gratitude 5 (2): 245-248. to Dr. R.M. Sharma, Dy. Director and Officer- Vyas, R. (2012). Albinism in two Indian colubrine snakes, in-Charge, Zoological Survey of India, WRC, Oligodon arnensis and helena. Sauria, 34(3): 57-61. Pune for constant support and providing Vyas, R., V. Prajapati & D. Parmar (2012). The case facilities. We also wish to thank Mr. Raju of incomplete albinism in Indian Red Sand Boa Vyas, Vadodara (Gujarat), for sparing valuable johnii johnii (Russel, 1801) (REPTILIA: SERPENTES: ). Russian Journal of 19(4): 299- literature. Our thanks are also due to Dr. S.S. 302. Jadhav, Senior Zoological Assistant, Zoological Vyas, R. (2013). Note on an unusual colour morphism in Survey of India, WRC, Pune for inputs to Oriental muscosa (Linnaeus, 1758). enhance the quality of the paper. Reptile Rap 15: 43-45. Whitaker, R. (1971). Notes on Indian Snakes-1. Journal of Bombay Natural History Society 68 (2): 461-463. Whitaker, R. & A. Captain (2004). Snakes of India. The Field Guide. Draco Books, . xiv+479pp.

5 REPTILE RAP #16, March 2014 Reptiles of Ousteri Riparian Areas, Puducherry, India

*R. Alexandar1 & J. Jayakumar2 1 Research Scholar, Department of Ecology & Environmental Sciences, Pondicherry University, Puducherry 605014, India 2 Centre for Pollution Control & Environmental Engineering and Management, Pondicherry University, Puducherry 605502, India *[email protected]

Introduction Reptiles are found in almost all the parts of the world, except the extremely cold regions. Freshwater wetlands are very fragile The diversified climate, varying vegetation and and constitute a treasure of biodiversity. different types of soil in the country form a The wetland ecosystem forms an important wide range of biotopes that support a highly environment for aquatic, semi-aquatic and diversified reptilian fauna. Indian reptiles moisture loving floral and faunal associations. consist of 500 taxa in numbers; have a good Wetlands play an integral role in the ecology of representation of endemics (olur & Walker a watershed. Their shallow waters, nutrients, 1998). Nearly 44% of the assessed reptiles and primary productivity are ideal for are endemic to India (Molur & Walker 1998). organisms that form the base of the food web Reptiles play an important role as primary, upon which many of wildlife depend. midlevel, and top consumers in an ecosystem Wetland habitat provides the necessary food, which maintains the ecological food chain in water and shelter for mammals, migrating many ecosystems, their diet of and small , and reptiles. rodents contribute to control of these animals that are often thought of as pests in crops

Figure 1 Map showing the study of riparian areas of Ousteri lake: green colour marking showing reptile survey areas and blue colour marking showing outline of waterbody

6

REPTILE RAP #16, March 2014

Eutropis carinata (Schneider, 1801)

and homes. The lake riparian zone provides the survey was done to prepare a checklist habitat for wide variety of floral and faunal of reptile species in the Ousteri lake riparian diversity. The vegetation surrounding the lake areas of Puducherry. helps to shade the water, mitigating water temperature changes. The Ousteri Lake Materials & Methods riparian diverse with wide variety of plant species over 160 plant species were recorded Study Area (Abbasi 1997). In considering the potential of high biodiversity in the riparian areas as it The present survey was conducted in the provide suitable habitats for reptile species Ousteri lake riparian areas which are partly

Lygosoma punctata (Gmelin, 1799) Daboia russelii (Shaw & Nodder, 1797)

distributed in Puducherry and partly in the Government of Puducherry in the year of Villupuram District of Tamil Nadu. The study 2000. the lake is also identified as one of the area located between 30o44’9” to 30°44’54” N important area by IBA and recognized Latitude & 76°48’36” to 76°50’3” E Longitude as one of the important wetlands of by with an total area coverage of 390ha. The the International Union for Conservation of lake has been declared as bird sanctuary by Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) besides

Hemidactylus triedrus (Daudin, 1802) REPTILE RAP #16, March 2014

Lissemys punctata (Lacépède, 1788)

this the lake is the most important freshwater categorised under Near threatened (National lake in the Puducherry region. Ousteri is a Wetland Atlas for Union Territories, ISRO major wintering spot for a 166 of migratory 2010). and native birds (CMAP, 2011) and is a rich source of inland fisheries of which Black- The study area experiences mean annual headed Ibis Threskiornis melanocephalus are temperature of 30.0°C and mean annual

Lycodon aulicus (Linnaeus, 1758) REPTILE RAP #16, March 2014

opportunistic visual search techniques and photographic method so as to avoid mortality of reptile species.

Results

In the present study, 23 species of reptiles were recorded (Table 1). Colubridae was the dominant family with 12 species followed by Boidae with two species, Gekkonid (2 species), Scincidae (2 species), , , Chamaleonidae, Trionichidae, , and with one species each.

Naja naja (Laurenti, 1768) The reptile species were categorized according to IUCN species status. Among 23 reptile species 10 species which includes rainfall about 1311-1172 mm. The mean number nasuta, Naja naja, Hemidactylus of annual rainy days is 55, the mean monthly triedrus, Ptyas mucosus, Daboia russelii, temperature ranges from 21.3°-30.2°C. The Lissemys punctata, Lygosoma punctatus, climate is tropical dry region with the bulk Amphiesma stolata, Oligodon arnensis, and of the rainfall during northeast monsoon are categorised under October-December (Indian Meteorological Lower Risk near threatened (Nationally) Department - Chennai). The study was (LRnt/N). Two species such as conducted in a variety of habitats such as tristis and and are comes natural vegetations in lake riparian, paddy under Lower Risk least concern (LRlc/N). farm, casuarinas farm, sugarcane farm, open Two species of reptiles which includes Eryx grass lands and water pools near the lake. johnii and Gongylophis conicus are listed The survey conducted during September 2009 in Lower Risk near threatened (LRnt). The to November 2011 during day and night using Monitor Varanus bengalensis are comes

Oligodon arnensis (Shaw, 1802) REPTILE RAP #16, March 2014

Oligodon taeniolatus (Jerdon, 1853) Ramphotyphlops braminus (Daudin, 1803)

under Vulnerable (VU/N) category due to its carinata is listed in near threatened category population trend is decreasing. Three species of IUCN. Chamaeleo zeylanicus, piscator Discussions and Calotes versicolor are categorised in not evaluated (NE) list. Four species Hemidactylus The present study reported 23 reptile frenatus, Ramphotyphlops braminus, species in Ousteri lake bird sanctuary. The schistosum, enhydris are comes list of reptile species is not a complete under least (LC) concern category. Mabuya representative reptile’s species of Ousteri

Table 1. Reptiles found in and around Ousteri Lake, Puducherry

No Family name Common Name Species Name IUCN (National) WPA

1 Agamidae Garden Lizard Calotes versicolor NE None 2 Boidae Red Sand boa Erix iohni johni LRnt Sch-IV 3 Boidae Common Sand boa Gongylophis conicus LRnt Sch-IV CR - Critically Endangered; EN - Endangered; - Vulnerable; 4 Colubridae Common whip snake LRnt Sch-IV VU LR - Lower Risk; LRnt Lower 5 Colubridae Banded Kukri Oligodon arnensis LRlc Sch-IV Risk-near threatened; LRlc 6 Colubridae Bronze back tree snake LRlc/N Sch-IV - Lower Risk-least concern; 7 Colubridae Variegated kukri Oligodon taeniolatus LRnt/N Sch-IV LRnt/N - Lower Risk-near 8 Colubridae Buffstriped Keel Back Amphiesma stolata LRnt/N Sch-IV threatened (Nationally); 9 Colubridae Common wolf snake Lycodon aulicus aulicus LRlc/N Sch-IV LRlc/N - Lower Risk-least 10 Colubridae Indian Rat snake Ptyas mucosus LRnt/N Sch-II concern (Nationally); NT- 11 Colubridae Olive keelback snake LC Sch-IV Near threatened NE - Not Evaluated. 12 Colubridae Common wolf snake LC Sch-IV 13 Colubridae Striped Water Snake Enhydris enhydris LC Sch-IV 14 Chamaleonidae Chamaeleo zeylanicus NE Sch-IV 15 Elapidae Indian Cobra Naja naja LRnt/N Sch-II 16 Geckonidae Termite hill gecko Hemidactylus triedrus LRnt/N None 17 Gekkonide Asian House Gecko Hemidactylus frenatus LC None 18 Scincidae Common Eutrophis Mabuya carinata NT Sch-IV 19 Scincidae Snake skink Lygosoma punctatus LRnt/N Sch-IV 20 Trionichidae Indian flap shell turtle Lissemys punctata LRnt/N Sch-I 21 Typhlopidae Brahminiy blind snake Ramphotyphlops braminus LC Sch-IV 22 Viperidae Russels viper Daboia russelii LRnt/N Sch-II 23 Varanidae Varanus bengalensis VU/N Sch-I

11 REPTILE RAP #16, March 2014

Varanus bengalensis (Daudin, 1802)

fresh water wetland as the study is restricted reptile species involved with deteriorations with smaller riparian areas with area to both freshwater and terrestrial habitats coverage of 3.10 square kilometres. Most due to industrial pollution such as glass, of the reptile species are encountered in chemical, cotton board and paper factories the riparian vegetative areas as the reptiles surrounded by the lake. The local community use riparian and wetland habitats mainly are extensively using the wetland for various because of reproductive purposes. Threats to livelihoods provisions such as reed collection,

Eryx johnii (Russell, 1801)

12 REPTILE RAP #16, March 2014

Lycodon capucinus (Boie, 1827)

fishing, agriculture, cattle grazing, broom stick Lake should be considered as an important collection, collection of kans grass Saccharum goal. Protection and conservation of quality spontaneum for fencing and clearing of of freshwater ecosystem habitats for the riparian vegetations leads to major threats diversity of reptiles are needed for improve to biodiversity loss in Ousteri fresh water the quality of fresh-water habitats. ecosystem. Accelerated rates of conversion Preserving the reptiles of the Ousteri of natural habitats into paddy, sugarcane, Lake area should be treated as a critical casuarinas, pulses and increasing real estate conservation goal. Habitat loss, illegal fishing business near the lake is major human animals activity, real estate business adjacent to the conflicts in the lake. To protect the reptile lake, dumping of industrial solid and liquid species ensure the healthy ecosystem in the waste, illegal encroachment of agriculture, Ousteri Lake. Unchecked fishing activities using and poaching are the biggest threats to the nylon fishing nets have led to destruction of common sand boas, monitors, and fresh water water snakes specially (). in the Ousteri Lake area. This study When the snakes get entangled in the fishing emphasizes that there is an urgent need nets, the fisherman simply cut the snakes to to protect and conserve as well as create extricate the fishing nets in addition to the awareness among local people about facts water snakes fresh water turtles (Lissemys about the snakes and its ecological role in a punctata) are more destructive during the wetland ecosystems and other reptile species Illegal fishing activity (Alexandar, 2010). in and around Ousteri Lake. Conserving the reptile’s species of Ousteri

13 REPTILE RAP #16, March 2014

Enhydris enhydris (Schneider, 1799) Gongylophis conicus (Schneider, 1801)

Molur, S. & S. Walker (1998). Report of the workshop References “Conservation Assessment and Management Plan for Reptiles of India” (BCPP- Endangered Species Project). Zoo Outreach Organisation, Conservation Alexandar, R. (2010). Conservation of Ousteri Lake, Breeding Specialist Group, India, Coimbatore, India, Puducherry. Current Science 98(4):467. 175pp. CMAP (2011). Comprehensive Management Action Plan National Wetland Atlas (2010). Union Territories, Space for Conservation of Oussudu Sanctuary, Puducherry Applications Centre (ISRO), Ahmedabad, India, 112p. submitted by Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and S.A. Abbasi (1997). Wetlands of India, Lakes of Natural History (SACON), Moongilpallam, Anaikatti Peninsular India, Discovery Publishing House, New (PO), Coimbatore – 641 108, Tamil Nadu 2011: PP Delhi, Volume I: xii + 151 pages, 1997. Wake, D. B. 125 (1991). Declining populations, Science 253, 860.

Chamaeleo zeylanicus (Laurenti, 1768)

14 REPTILE RAP #16, March 2014 Reptile Diversity of Taranga Hill-Forest, North Gujarat, India

C.D. Patel1, D.I. Bhavsar 2 & M.I. Patel3 1 Directorate of Forensic Science, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382007, India. 2 Department of Biology, M. N. College Visnagar, North Gujarat 384315, India. 3 1, Prabhunagar Society, Dagala Road, Visnagar, North Gujarat 384315, India. 1 [email protected], 2 [email protected], 3 [email protected]

Introduction protected areas, Vyas (1993) studied the snake fauna of the state. The distribution, Due to negligence of reptilian studies, status and problems of Mugger are the information on species composition has well documented by Vijayakumar (1997, 1999a, remained scattered and limited to certain b) and There are some reports available on forest area of Gujarat. The total number the reptilian fauna of Gujarat, especially of reptile species in the state of Gujarat is from protected areas, i.e., Jessore Wildlife around 114 species (Singh 2001). Scattered Sanctuary, Balaram-Ambaji Wildlife Sanctuary, information on reptiles of Gujarat is available Pania Wildlife Sanctuary, Ratanmahal Wildlife in the Fauna of British India series (Günther Sanctuary and Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary 1864; Boulenger 1890; Smith 1935, 1943), (Vyas 2006). Previously, Bhavsar (2008) Snakes of Ceylon (Wall 1921), The Book of recorded 12 species of snakes and Patel & Indian Reptiles (Daniel 1983) and The Book Patel (2010) published only a checklist of 25 of Indian Reptiles and Amphibians (Daniel species of reptiles of Taranga Hill-forest, but a 2002). A few naturalists and scientists have more detailed study of reptiles in general was studied the reptiles of Gujarat as early as needed. Thus, the present study was carried the 1870s. Stoliczka (1872), Murray (1886), out in Taranga Hill-forest to investigate and McCann (1938), Bhaskar (1978), Sharma (1982), prepare an inventory of reptilian diversity, to Himatsinji (1985), Auffenberg et al. (1990), assess the present status of each species, to Akhtar and Tiwari (1991), Vijayakumar (1997) generate baseline information on habitat and and Gayen (1999) have studied the reptiles of food, and to identify threats on reptiles, if Kutchchh. Gleadow (1887, 1905) and, Daniel any. and Shull (1963) undertook preliminary studies on the reptiles of southern Gujarat. Acharya (1949) and Kapadia (1951) provided checklists of reptiles of Gujarat, based on the existing literature. Sharma (1982) and Gayen (1999) published a survey report on reptiles of Gujarat based on extensive field survey and collections of the Zoological Survey of India. Vyas (1998, 2000) and Gayen (1999) reported an updated list of the reptiles of Gujarat and their distribution.

Extensive surveys were made on freshwater turtles (Vyas & Patel 1990), sea turtles and (Bhaskar 1978, 1981a, 1981b; Frazier 1987; Vyas & Parasharya 2000). Barring Image 1. Yellow-green House Gecko Hemidactylus flaviviridis 15 REPTILE RAP #16, March 2014

Table 1: Status of reptiles recorded during study period at Taranga Hill-forest Abundance IUCN (Encountered (2011) range Family / Common name Scientific name Status Habitats Red Data per month Book over the two years) Pond, water reservoir and slow South Indian Flapshell Turtle Lissemys punctata punctata C LR/lc 0-6 water stream. Testudinidae Indian Star Geochelone elegans Murray, 1886 O 0-2 Scrubland and sandy tracts. Near human settlements on the Yellow-green House Gecko Hemidactylus flaviviridis Murray, 1886 C 0-8 walls inside buildings, between cleft of rock and on rocky cliffs. Found on trees, in dead barks of Brook’s House Gecko Hemidactylus brookii Gleadow, 1887 R 0-2 trees, on rocks, under stone and in buildings. Agamidae Gardens, hedges, scrubland, forest, Eastern Garden Lizard Calotes versicolor versicolor VC 1-22 on rocky cliffs and plains. Fan-throated Lizard Sitana ponticeriana Cuvier, 1829 C 0-14 Open sandy scrub. Chamaeleonidae Wooded area, green hedges and Indian Chamaeleon Chamaeleo zeylanicus Stoliczka, 1872 O 0-8 shrubs. Scincidae Common Keeled Grass Skink Mabuya carinata carinata Stoliczka, 1872 C 0-6 Between openly arranged stones. Eastern Bronze Skink Mabuya macularius Boulenger, 1890 R 0-3 Between openly arranged stones. Spotted Supple Skink Lygosoma punctatus ─ O 0-5 Open sandy scrub. Varanidae Cavity of tree stem, in pipe and Bengal Monitor Varanus bengalensis Stoliczka, 1872 C LC 0-4 burrow. Eastern Desert Monitor Varanus griseus konicznyi Boulenger, 1890 R LC 0-1 Under the stones. In rocky area, under the stones Indian Rock Python molurus Linnaeus, 1758 R LR/nt 0-1 and hollow trees, and some time in agricultural area. Boidae Sandy soil, rat burrows and brick Common Sand Boa Eryx conica conica ─ O 0-3 piles. Prefers sandy places and often Eastern Red Sand Boa Eryx johnii johnii Russell, 1801 O 0-5 observed it in rodent burrows. Colubridae Common Indian helena helena Murray, 1886 R 0-1 On leafy trees. Indian Rat Snake Ptyas mucosus ─ C 0-8 Near and in rat holes, and on trees. Rat hole, rocky area, and crevices Royal Snake diadema diadema Murray, 1886 O 0-3 in agricultural-riverbed area. Indian Streaked Kukri Snake Oligodon taeniolatus Sharma, 1982 R 0-1 In rocky area. Near human habitation in agricultural Unidentified Snake Oligodon spp. (?) R 0-1 and thorn-scrub forest area. Common Bronzeback Tree Snake Dendrelaphis tristis Daniel & Shull, 1963 O 0-3 On tree. Checkered Keelback Water Snake Xenochrophis piscator Acharya, 1949 O 0-2 In pond and water reservoir. Common Indian Cat Snake trigonatus Stoliczka, 1872 O 0-2 In cool place and among bushes. Elapidae Sandy soil and burrows of small Common Indian Krait Bungarus caeruleus Schneider, 1801 O 0-2 rodents. In the open and old thatched roofed Spectacled Cobra Naja naja Günther, 1864 O 0-2 house.

Study Area of the Aravalli range. The THf is unclassified reserve forest with a total area of 18.12km2. Taranga is one of the most famous places of The climate of this area is semi-arid with pilgrimage in North Gujarat. The Taranga Hill- irregular rainfall. It is strongly periodical and forest (THf) is located at the southern end seasonal. There are three main seasons in 16 REPTILE RAP #16, March 2014

Fig. 1. Map showing the study area and surveyed sites at Taranga Hill-forest

this study area: Winter (December-January), The THf consists of mainly tropical thorn- Summer (February-May), Pre monsoon (June- scrub vegetation. It is characterized July), Monsoon (August-September) and Post by low altitude hill vegetation. Shrubs are monsoon (October-November). Average tem­ dominant species of this forest. Shrub species perature remains 19.80oC to 30.73oC. The THf are mainly mixed thorny type, which is experiences a prolonged dry season. Heavy dominantly present in all parts of the forest. rain occurs during July and August but usually Xerophytic vegeta­tion is dominant. A patch remains light during June and September. of grassland is occasionally present on flat Average annual rainfall is 663.60mm with regions. Anogeissus latifolia, Acacia chundra, about 40 rainy days. Prosopis juliflora, Bauhinia recemosa, Butea monosperma, Sterculia urens, Achyranthus

17 REPTILE RAP #16, March 2014 aspera, Adhatoda vasica, Calotropis and herbs. Whenever encountered, reptiles gigantea, Maytenus emarginata, Zizyphus were caught with the help of a net, bag or mauritiana, Asparagus racemosus, Cuscuta a wooden stick. All captured specimens were reflexa, Andrographis paniculata, Bergia examined carefully and identified by using capensis, Cassia auriculata and Enicostemma the diagnostic characters as per Das (1985), hyssopifolium are common vegetation of THf Daniel (2002) and Whitaker and Captain (Patel 2003). Agro-ecosystems exist at the (2004). No voucher specimens were collected periphery of the forest. and all specimens were released at the point of capture. Moreover, their habitat and food Methodology habitats were noted whenever possible.

This study was carried out from December The occurrence of reptiles in THf was 2006 to November 2008. The study area was classified into four groups as detailed below: divided into four zones based on ecology, Very common (VC) = Recorded during agricultural and riverbed area, rocky thorn- 22 to 24 visits out of 24 visits scrub forest area, hillocks and foothill site, and Common (C) = Recorded during 14 to 21 traffic zone (Road side) (see Fig. 1). Each study visits out of 24 visits zone was visited once per month to record Occasional (O) = Recorded during 5 to the reptiles and their related parameters like 13 visits out of 24 visits occurrence, habitat selection and threats of Rare (R) = Recorded during less than 5 each species. A total of 24 visits were made visits out of 24 visits to each site during the study period. Results and Discussion Two persons have surveyed at a time per site from 09:00h to 18:00h. Species were A total of 25 reptile species belonging found by visual encounter surveys (Heyer et to 11 families and 20 genera were recorded al. 1994) through opportunistically exploring during the study period which included two the habitat such as under stones, rock chelonians, 10 and 13 snakes from the crevices, tree holes and among the shrubs study area (Table 1). Of these, two species

Fig. 2. Number of species encuontered per month over two years.

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REPTILE RAP #16, March 2014

also known to consume reptile. A total of 114 species of reptiles belonging to 21 families are reported from the state, including one species of crocodile, 12 species of turtles and tortoise, 36 species of lizards and 65 species of snakes (Singh 2001). The THf represents 22% of the reptilian diversity present in Gujarat. Previously, Bhavsar (2008) worked only on snakes species of THf as primary information. Patel & Patel (2010) surveyed in THf and a made a taxonomic checklist only. We have studied individual species with respect to its Image 2. Brook’s House Gecko Hemidactylus brookii habitat, occurrence, abundance and threats apart from above works. were very common, five were common, 11 An unidentified Oligodon species was th were occasional and seven were rare (Table 1). recorded on 5 August 2007 (Image 13). It Fig. 2 shows number of species encountered was observed near a human habitation close per month over two years. Agricultural and to agricultural fields and thorn-scrub forest riverbed area, Rocky thorn-scrub forest area, area. The snake had smooth scales, circular Hillocks and foothill site, and Traffic zone pupil, the top of the brown-colored head had (Road site) possess 21, 16, 12 and 20 species two dark brown inverse ‘V’ shaped marks; diversity respectively. According to IUCN Red closely followed by a broad band on the neck, Data Book (2011), Taranga Hill-forest possess a series of irregular white-edged spots on four threatened reptile species in different the back – a large median one with a smaller categories like Lissemys punctata punctata is one on each side and short tail with a pointed Lower Risk/Least Concern species, Varanus tip. This species may be Oligodon taeniolatus, bengalensis and Varanus griseus konicznyi are but the presence of other small similar spots Least Concern species and Python molurus in a series on either side of the lateral line, molurus is Lower Risk/Near Threatened render this specimen as doubtful. species. Of these four species Varanus bengalensis has main thrate of indigenous Threats communities such as the ‘Devipujak’ were

Image 3. Eastern Garden Lizard Calotes Image 4. Indian Chamaeleon Chamaeleo versicolor zeylanicus 19 REPTILE RAP #16, March 2014

Image 5. Eastern Bronze Skink Eutropis macularius Image 6. Spotted Supple Skink Lygosoma punctatus

During the study period, we noticed the possible to be free one self, and in case of following threats affecting reptilian fauna. the vine snake, it’s hiss is known to cause immediate death. Supestition-based killing of reptiles: Resource utilization by local communities: This was the main threat at the study area. People killed reptiles like the Indian Cattle grazing, fodder collection and Chameleon, Royal Snake, Checkered Keelback, firewood collection by local communities could and Indian Streaked Kukri Snake which are affect the reptile population. Indigenous non-venomous. But considering their brightly communities use specific plants for building colored appearance and ability to camouflage, their huts, which could result in soil erosion in people have myths and beliefs of them being the area. The indigenous communities such as highly poisonous. Other snakes like the the ‘Devipujak’ were also known to consume Eastern Red Sand Boa are also killed when reptiles like the Bengal Monitor Lizard. encountered as it is thought to make a strong coil around one’s legs from which it is not Agricultural practice:

Image 7. Bengal Monitor Varanus bengalensis Image 8. Indian Rock Python Python molurus molurus 20 REPTILE RAP #16, March 2014

Image 9. Common Sand Boa Eryx conicus Image 10. Eastern Red Sand Boa Eryx johnii

Folidon powder, Malathion, Monocrotophos, Agriculture was practiced in and around Fenvalrate, Acetamapride, Imidacloprid-17.8.1, the forest area. Local indigenous communities Sulphur, Dicotol, Dithane-M-45, Rogor, Acefete collected leaf litter in large quantities, powder, Ciper, Methion, Mancozeb and lopped trees, almost rendering them devoid Carbendizam which have harmful effects on of any crown and burned the leaves in their fossorial reptiles. agricultural fields, to improve soil fertility. The collection of leaf litter from the peripheral Growth of Acacia nilotica and Prosopis forest area decreases the top humus layer juliflora plants: of the soil which could affect the chemical composition of the soil and the microhabitat Currently, most of the THf is covered of numerous organisms. with babool plants. This, in addition to the monoculture of Acacia spp. may change the Use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides: dynamics of the ecosystem. Such habitat alterations will definitely have an long-term Synthetic fertilizers and pesticides were impact on reptile populations. used in the agricultural fields in and around the THf like Chloryphyripos, 2-4-D weedicide, Roadkills:

Image 12. Indian Streaked Kukri Snake Oligodon Image 11. Royal Snake taeniolatus 21 REPTILE RAP #16, March 2014

Image 13. Unidentified Snake species Image 14. Checkered Keelback Water Snake Xenochrophis piscator

nummularia, Bauhinia racemosa, Holoptelea Nearly 20km of road network pass through integrifolia etc. are planted in each monsoon the THf. The motorable roads receive heavy for reforestation by forest department. These traffic as THf is a site for pilgrimage and species are even common to northern Gujarat recreation; around 100 to 200 vehicles pass including Balaram-Ambaji Wildlife Sanctuary. through per day. Roadkills were more frequent But more, concerted action is required from during the rainy season. Snakes like Eryx johnii, all stakeholders involved at the THf, the local Spalerosophis diadema and lizards like Calotes communities, Forest Department, Government versicolor, Chamaeleon zeylanicus, Varanus and NGOs to improve the conservation here. bengalensis were the common roadkills at THf during the rains. Acknowledgements

For the protection of flora and fauna, During the field study, we were support by the local Forest Department is very careful many villagers, forest personnel and wildlife and has arranged fencing at some necessary enthusiasts, and we thank them all. We are spots in THf. Anogeissus latifolia, Zizyphus grateful to Ajay M. Desai and R.M. Gohel glabrata, Zizyphus mauritiana, Zizyphus for their help in identification of reptiles and

Image 15. Common Indian Krait Bungarus Image 16. Spectacled Cobra Naja naja caeruleus 22 REPTILE RAP #16, March 2014 constant moral support and inspiration during Gujarat Research Society, Bombay. 18 pp. the fieldwork. McCann, C. (1938). The reptiles and amphibia of Cutch. Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society 40: 425-427. References Murray, J.A. (1886). The Reptiles of Sind. The Education Society’s Press Bombay, 192 pp. Amniotic diversity of Acharya, H. (1949). from Gujarat state. Patel, C.D. & M. I. Patel (2010). Prakurti 8:156-178 (in Gujarati). Taranga Hill-forest, Gujarat, India. Our Nature, 8: 144-156. Akhtar, A.S. & J.K. Tiwari (1991). Extension of range of the Black Cobra Naja naja oxiana. Journal of the Patel, D.M. (2003). Eco-floristic and Ethnomedicinal Bombay Natural History Society 88(1): 123 pp. study of Taranga Forest, North Gujarat. Ph.D. Thesis, Hemchandracharya North Gujarat University, Patan. Auffenberg W., H. Rehman, F. Iffat, & Z. Perveen Pp. 1-55. (1990). Notes on the biology of Varanus griseus konicznyi Mertens, Sauria: Varanidae. Journal of the Sharma, R.C. (1982). Taxonomic and ecological studies Bombay Natural History Society 87: 26-36. on the reptiles of Gujarat. Record of Zoological Survey India 80: 85-108. Bhaskar, S. (1978). Notes from the Gulf of Kutch. Hamadryad 4(1): 3-6. Singh, H.S. (2001). Natural Heritage of Gujarat. Gujarat Ecological Education and Research (GEER) Foundation, Bhaskar, S. (1981a). Sea turtles in Gujarat State, Western India. Report to the WWF-I, 11 pp. Gandhinagar. Pp. 247-248. Fauna of British India. Reptilia and Bhaskar, S. (1981b). Survey of nesting Smith, M.A. (1935). beaches on the West Coast of Saurashtra. Report to Amphibia Vol. II. Sauria. Taylor and Francis, London. the WWF-I, 3 pp. Pp. 185. The Fauna of British India, including Bhavsar, D.I. (2008). Study on occurrence and Smith, M.A. (1943). distribution of snakes in Mehsana city and Taranga Ceylon and Burma. Reptilia and Amphibia Vol. III. Hill-forest. M.Sc. Dissertation, Hemchandracharya Serpentes. Taylor and Francis, London. 583 pp. North Gujarat University, Patan. Pp. 1-55. Stoliczka, F. (1872). Notes on the reptilian and amphibian fauna of Kutchh (Cutch). Proc. Asiat. Soc. Boulenger, G.A. (1890). The Fauna of Brithish India, including Ceylon and Burma. Reptilia and Batrachia. Bengal, May: 71-85. Taylor and Francis, London. 541 pp. Vijayakumar, V. (1997). Evaluation of restocked Mugger and its implication in long-term Daniel, J.C. (1983). The Book of Indian Reptiles. Bombay Natural History Society, Oxford University Press, conservation and management of the species in Mumbai. 1-141 pp. Gujarat, India, Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology, Bhuj-Kachh, Gujarat, 65 pp. Daniel, J.C. (2002). The Book of Indian Reptiles and Amphibians. 1st Edn. Bombay Natural History Society, Vijayakumar, V., R. Vyas & B.C. Choudhury (1999a). Oxford University Press, Mumbai. Pp. i-viii+1-238. Status of Mugger in Gujarat State. Crocodiles Specialist Group News letter 18(2): 7-8. Daniel, J.C. & E.M. Shull (1963). A list of the reptiles and amphibians of Surat, Dangs, South Gujarat. Vijayakumar, V., R. Vyas & B.C. Choudhury (1999b). Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society 60: Status of Mugger: its conservation problems in 737-743. Gujarat. ENVIS (Wildlife & Protected Area) 2(1): 69- st 76, Wildlife Institute of India, DehraDun. Das, I. (1985). Indian Turtles A Field Guide. 1 Edn. World Wildlife Fund-India (Eastern Region), Calcutta. Vyas, R. & B.H. Patel (1990). A survey of fresh water Pp. 1-119. turtle of Gujarat. Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society 87(1): 152-155. Frazier, J. (1987). Biology and conservation of Indian turtles and tortoises. Interim report to the American Vyas, R. (1993). Studies on some snakes (- Institute for Indian studies, 64 pp. Reptilia) of Gujarat State, India, Ph.D. Thesis, Bhavnagar University. Bhavnagar, India, 187 pp. Gayen, N.C. (1999). A synopsis of the reptiles of Gujarat, western India. Hamadryad 24(1): 1-22. Vyas, R. (1998). The reptiles of Gujarat State: Updated distribution. Tigerpaper 25(1): 8-14. Gleadow, F. (1887). Description of a new lizard from the ‘Dangs’. Journal of the Bombay Natural History Vyas, R. (2000). A review of reptile studies in Gujarat Society 2: 49-51. State. Zoos’ Print Journal 15(12): 386-390. Reptilian diversity of Jambughoda Gleadow, J. (1905). Reptiles from Surat, India. Journal Vyas, R. (2006). of the Bombay Natural History Society 16: 724 pp. Wildlife Sanctuary, Gujarat. Tigerpaper 33(1): 20- 23. Günther, A.C.L. (1864). The Reptiles of British India. Hardwicke, London. Pp. 452. Vyas, R. & B.M. Parasharya (2000). Distribution and status of the Star Tortoise (Geochelone elegans) in Heyer, W.R., M.A. Donnelly, R.W. McDiarmid, L.- Gujarat State, India. Zoos’ Print Journal 15(4): 239- A.C. Hayek and M.S. Kent (1994). Measuring and Monitoring Biological Diversity: standard methods 242. for amphibians. Smithsonian Institution Press, Wall, F. (1921). The Snakes of Ceylon. H.R. Cottle, Washington, DC. 364 pp. Government Printer, Ceylon. xxii, 581 pp. Whitaker, R. & A. Captain (2004). Snakes of India Himatsinji (1985). On the status of Chamaeleon st zeylanicus Laurenti in Kutch. Journal of the Bombay The Field Guide. 1 Edn. Draco Books, Chennai. Pp. Natural History Society 82: 421. i-xiv+1-481. Kapadia, G.A. (1951). Animal list of Mahagujarat.

23 REPTILE RAP #16, March 2014 Record of East Indian Leopard Gecko Eublepharis hardwickii Gray, 1827 (Squamata: Sauria: Eublepharidae) from Hazaribag, Jharkhand, India

Satya Prakash1,2, M. Raziuddin1* & A.K. Mishra3 1University Department of Zoology, Vinoba Bhave University, Hazaribag, Jharkhand 825301, India 2Neo Human Foundation, College More, Hazaribag, Jharkhand 825301, India 3Buffer Area, Palamu Tiger Reserve, Daltanganj (Medninagar), Jharkhand, India 1* [email protected], 1,2 [email protected]

The East Indian Gecko, Eublepharis hardwickii in different forest areas of Hazaribag and has been reported from Chhotanagpur adjoining districts which included five wildlife (Jharkhand) by Smith (1935). It is a nocturnal, sanctuaries (WS), Hazaribag WS, Parasnath insectivorous species which remains hidden WS, Kodema WS, Topchanchi WS and Gautam underneath rocks and stones during the day Buddha WS) of Jharkhand during 2010-2011. (Mishra et al., 1996). It has been assessed The forests in the area fall under the broad as Least Concern by IUCN Red List (IUCN, category of Northern Tropical Dry Deciduous 2011) because of its wide distribution across forest (Champion & Seth 1968). Survey was the eastern peninsular India. Its occurrence conducted during spring and autumn season in Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary of Jharkhand during 2010-2011. The area was repeated after (borders with the states of Orissa and West a week two times in the above season. The Bengal) has been recently reportedand along survey was conducted during 9am - 2pm and with other reptilian fauna, its population is again 4pm - 7pm. Authors and two volunteers known to have declined (Mahata & Mohanta were involved in the survey. The visual search 2006). It has also been reported from for the reptiles was carried out directly adjoining states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, among long grasses, logs, moorland, bog, scrub, West Bengal (Smith 1935;), Odisha and Madhya bramble, dense herbs, uneven and undulating Pradesh (Smith 1935; Singh 1984; Khajuria topography, sunny banks/slopes, forest ride, 1986; Mishra et al. 1996; Chandra et al. 1997; manure/compost heaps, rubble/rubbish, Sharma 2002; Chandra & Gupta 2005). derelict areas, gardens, roadside verges, track and path edges, hedgerows, dry stone walls, A survey of herpetofauna was conducted

Image 1. East Indian Leopard Eublepharis hardwickii

24 REPTILE RAP #16, March 2014

Image 2. Walking posture of East Indian Leopard Eublepharis hardwickii

rock/spree, and bare ground patches. On reddish-brown with a distinct black spot on August 2011, a single 9.8cm long (total body the thigh, lateral to the first tail band (Image length) specimen of an uncommon, strikingly 4). Ventral body surface was covered with patterned black colored gecko (Image 1) with polygonal scales arranged regularly. Based on warty dorsum, slightly reddish-white ventrum these morphological features the specimen and protruding movable eyelids was sighted was identified as the juvenile Eublepharis at dusk among the fallen sal Shorea robusta hardwickii Gray, 1827 (Sharma 2002). leaves near Salparni Lake (240 06’N; 850 24’E; 557m) of Hazaribag WS. It walked slowly We came across a similar specimen without keeping it’s body completely off the ground a tail in July 1995 behind Border Security (Image 2). Force (BSF) Camp, Meru, Hazaribag (2400.1’N; 85029’E; 569m). Thus this specimen of E. A closer examination of the specimen hardwickii was encountered in Hazaribag revealed that the dorsal surface of the body, forest range for the second time after a from head to tail, was covered with small, lapse of about 16 years. Besides our two irregular, flat scales, intermixed with numerous observations in Hazaribag, this gecko has larger roundish, sub-conical tubercles. The never been sighted in any of the five forest most striking feature was the presence of zones of Jharkhand. white bands across the body and tail. The first band was distinctly V-shaped which extended To ascertain the occurrence of this gecko in from the neck forwards along the upper lip Hazaribag and adjoining forests, photographs to the tip of the snout and the second across of the species were shown to a total of 158 the middle of the body and almost twice as individuals (including forest staff Hazaribag broad as the first. The cylindrical tapering Wildlife Sanctuary (40); North Karnpura tail, covered with small scales and tubercles Valley (18); Border Security (BSF) Camp, in rings, had four white bands, the first and Meru (Hazaribag) (20); Parasnath Wildlife third bands being almost equal in width, the Sanctuary () (20); Koderma Wildlife second widest and fourth about half the Sanctuary (Koderma) (25); Topchanchi Wildlife width of third band. Limbs were rather short Sanctuary (Dhanbad) (20); and Gautam and feeble with short digits; upper basal part Buddha Wildlife Sanctuary (Koderma) (15)) of the forelimb white while the underside, who either resided inside the forests or on its reddish-brown (Image 3). The rest was light fringes. Only five respondents confirmed its

25 REPTILE RAP #16, March 2014

Image 3. Left forelimb of Eublepharis hardwickii showing white area at its base (thin arrow) and reddish-brown area beneath (thick arrow).

Image 4. The characteristic black spot (arrow) on the thigh of Eublepharis hardwickii lateral to the first tail-band. occurrence in the Hazaribag forest range, one characteristics. Journal Bombay Natural History of them reporting that he had seen a 15-17 Society. 94, 165-166. . East IndianLeopard 0 Chandra, K. & Y.N. Gupta (2005) cm long individual near Kaile village (24 08’ N; Gecko Eublepharis hardwickii, Grey found in 850 20’E) inside Hazaribag WS. Except one Panhmarhi Biosphere Reserve (Eublepharidae: respondent, none had sighted the species more Sauria: Squamata): Reptile Rap No.7, August 2005, p 2. than once and almost all of them perceived it IUCN (2011). IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. to be poisonous. The status of E. hardwickii in http://www.iucnredlist.org Jharkhand as a rare species is thus apparent Khajuria, H. (1986). On habits of some Central Indian Lizard with morphological notes on Eublepharis and is as per existing literature (Chandra et. hardwickii Gray. Records of the Zoological Survey of al. 1997; Sharma 2002). Further work on the India. 83(1): 19-23. distribution and population of this species in Mahata, M.C. & K. Mohanta (2006). Dalma wildlife Jharkhand is needed for assessing its real sanctuary with reference to Bishu Sendra: An overview, pp. 145-155. In: B. N. Pandey and G. K. status. Kulkarni (eds.). Biodiversity and Environment”. APH Publication Corporation, New Delhi. Acknowledgements Mishra, C.G., S.K. Patnaik, S.K. Sinha, S.K. Kar, C.S. Kar & L.A.K. Singh (1996). Wildlife Wealth of Orissa. Forest Department Wildlife Wing, Orissa Government The authors are thankful to Sri Gopal Press, Madhupatna, Cuttack. 46-47 . Chandra, RFO, Hazaribag Wildlife Division, Sri Sharma, R.C. (2002). The fauna of India and the adjacent countries-Reptilia (Sauria) Volume II., M. D. Dwivedi, Sri Murari Singh and forest Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata. 148-150. personnel for their help during the survey. Singh, L.A.K. (1984). Eublepharis hardwickii (Reptilia, Gekkonidae). The Kalakuta observed at Tikerpada, Orissa. Journal Bombay Natural History Society. References 81(3): 708-709. Smith, M.A. (1935). The fauna of British India, including Champion, H.G. & S.K. Seth (1968). A Revised Survey Ceylon and Burma, Reptilia and Amphibia-Sauria. of the Forest types of India, Govt. of India Press, Taylor and Francis, London. 2 : Xiii +440pp. New Delhi. xxvii, 404 pp. Chandra G., S.N. Chatterjee, C. Datta, M. Majumdar & A. Nath (1997). Occurrence of the fat tailed gecko, Eublepharis hardwickii Grey (Sauria: Gekkonidae) with remarks on the variation in certain taxonomic 26 REPTILE RAP #16, March 2014 Cases of unusual colour morph in Russell’s Viper Daboia russelii (Shaw & Nodder, 1797) from Gujarat, India.

Harchil Patel1 & Shantilal K. Tank2 1,2 Department of Biosciences, Veer Narmad South Gujarat University, Surat, Gujarat, India. 1 [email protected], 2 [email protected]

The Russell’s Viper Daboia russelii (Shaw of the body. The spots may have pointed ends; & Nodder, 1797) is widely distributed they may meet to form a chain like pattern, throughout Asia in the Indian subcontinent, or may have narrow white or cream margins from Baluchistan in the west, Kashmir in the (Image 1). The ventral side is yellowish with north to the eastern Himalaya and east wards black or brown markings on sides of the to , and (Daniel ventral scales. The top of head usually has a 2002; Uetz 2013). It usually occurs in the narrow, white, arrow shaped mark and a pair plains but has been recorded up to 2756m of triangular or oval dark brown markings (Whitaker & Captain 2004). (Smith 1946; Daniel 2001; Whitaker & Captain 2004; Uetz 2013). The body colour of the species is generally brown or yellowish brown, with three Recently, we came across two unusual longitudinal series of prominent brown or specimens of the species which had different black, oval or round spots; two rows on the colour and markings then the normal colour lateral side and the other on the mid-dorsal morph. The first specimen was found on 31

Image 1: Normal morph of Daboia russelii.

1 REPTILE RAP #16, March 2014

Table 1. The details, measurement (cm) and scalation of Daboia russelii rescued from Navsari, Gujarat, India. Basic Scalation of the species Specimen 1 Specimen 2 (Smith, 1946) Maximum: 180 Total body length=SVL+TL 118=99+19 102.5=88+14.5 (Whitaker & Captain, 2004) Body rows 25-29 : 27-33 : 21-23 25:29:23 29:29:19 Supra labial L/R 10 to 12 11:11 11:11 Infra labial L/R *Not found in the literature 14:14 14:13 Ventral 153 to 180 171 170 Anal 1 (undivided) 1 (undivided) 1 (undivided) Sub caudal 41 to 64 (divided) 47 (divided) 56 (divided)

October 2011, from the closed, industrial scalation of both the specimens are provided compound of Mafatlal mills (20056’N & 72054’E), in Table 1. Navsari, Gujarat. The specimen was an adult female and had an unusual basal whitish- The colour of both the specimens was pale, yellow colour with black coloured markings on whitish yellow. On the lateral sides, there it (Image 2). The second specimen, an adult were rows of large, dull, brown-black oval female was found, a year after on 18 October spots and two, light brown stripes on the mid- 2012 from the same compound, which had a dorsal from neck to posterior up to tail. The similar colour and markings as the previous black spots and longitudinal lines were more one. The colour morph and other details are prominent in the anterior portion, which partly as follows. faded in the posterior portion (Image 3). The top of head had a pair of brown coloured, oval The further details, measurement and markings. The eyes were yellow with vertical black pupils. The ventral side was whitish in

Image 2: The unusual whitish color morph of Daboia russelii from Navsari, Gujarat, India.

1 REPTILE RAP #16, March 2014 colour without any markings. The body colour camouflage (Norris & Lowe 1964), locality and and markings of these two specimens differed habitat use (Kark et al. 1997). vastly from the usual morph of the species. Fur­ther research is needed, especially Such an unusual morph of the species histopathol­ogy and biopsies of skin tissues by has not been reported previously, except for which the reasons of these anomalies can be a uniform reddish-brown morph with either better understood. indistinct or altogether, absent markings found at Mangalore, Karnataka (Whitaker & Captain Acknowledgement 2004) and albino specimens (Uetz 2013). Such unusual colour morph could be a result of We are grateful to Raju Vyas for his some anomaly in colour pigmentation (Bechtel assistance and guidance in the preparation of 1995). Colour morphs in snakes normally occur the manuscript and for his encouragement, due to thermoregulation (Gibson & Falls 1979), suggestions and literature. We are thankful to

Image 3: Dorsal view of unusual whitish color morph of Daboia russelii.

1 REPTILE RAP #16, March 2014

Vasant Nayka for sharing the information and Gibson, A.R. & J.B. Falls (1979). Thermal biology of the allowing me to examine and study the snake common Thamnophis sirtalis (L.). II. The effects of melanism. Oecologia 43: 99–109. specimens. We are also thankful to Parimal Norris, K.S. & C.H. Lowe (1964). An analysis of Patel, Vaibhav Naik and Himal Mehta for background colour-matching in amphibians and photographs and their help during examination reptiles. Ecology 45: 565–580. Kark S., I. Warburg & Y.L. Werner (1997). Polymorphism of specimens. HP is thankful to Department in the snake schokari on both sides of of Science and Technology, New Delhi for the desert edge in and Sinai. Journal of Arid financial assistance. Environments, 37: 513–527 Smith, M.A. (1943). The Fauna of British India, Ceylon, and Burma, Including the Whole of the Indo-Chinese Sub-region. Reptilia and Amphibia. Vol. III Serpentes. References London: Taylor & Francis. xii + 583 p. Uetz, P. (2013). The , http://www. reptile-database.org. Accessed 28 February 2013. Bechtel, H.B. (1995). Reptile and Amphibian Variants: Note on an unusual colour morphism in Colour, Patterns and Scales. Ma­labar, Florida (Krieger Vyas, R. (2013). Oriental Rat Snake Ptyas muscosa (Linnaeus, 1758). Publ. Comp.), xvii + 206pp. Reptile Rap 15: 43–45pp. Daniel, J.C. (2002). The Book of Indian Reptiles and Snakes of India. The Amphibians. Bombay Natural History Society, Oxford Whitaker, R. & A. Captain (2004). Field Guide. Chennai. Draco Books. xiv+479 p. University Press, Mumbai, 238pp.

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30 REPTILE RAP #16, March 2014 Cases of Albinism in snakes from Maharashtra, India

Ram Bhutkar 1 & Anil Mahabal* 2 1 Pooja Park, Plot No.18, Bharatinagar, Lane No.5, Paud Road, Pune, Maharashtra 411038, India 2 *Scientist (Retd.), Zoological Survey of India, WRC, Pune, Maharashtra 411044, India 1 [email protected], 2 [email protected]*

Aberrant colours and patterns though rarely to Bechtel (1995) and Gamble et al. (2006) expressed, occur in all the vertebrate groups there are three types of specialized skin including reptiles, its cause being metabolic cells or . The melanophores disorders due to inherited congenital conditions. produce the pigment melanin responsible In general, colour and pattern in reptiles is for black and brown colours, xanthophores produced by a combination of pigments and (including erythrophores) produce pteridines structural compounds Bechtel (1995). According and carotenoids responsible for red and,

Table 1: Cases of albinism with aberrant colour and pattern in five different snake species from Maharashtra Normal colour and Sr. Taxa and Common Aberrant colour and Type of aberrant pattern Locality and Date No. Name pattern form (In general)

Greyish-brown with bright to deep brown irregular squarish blotches all over Manjari, Solapur road, Gongylophis conicus Overall orangish body Total albino with body. Ventrally yellowish- (18º 30’ N and 73º 57’ (Schneider, 1801) without any blotches. orange colour 1. buff with brown spots on E) Pune,. 10/08/2012. Common Sand Boa Eyes reddish brown. morph. outer side. Dark stripe from eye to gape. Eyes yellowish gold.

White body, yellow-gold Brown above oscelleted oscielleted cross bar Coleognathus helena cross bars on anterior Total albino with Aar mori, (20º 27’ 54’’ pattern on anterior part, helena (Daudin, 1803) part, dark stripe on sides yellow colour N and 79º 59’02’’ E) yellow broad stripe on 2. Common Trinket of body upto tail.V-shaped morph and Nagpur, 10/08/2012. sides of body; head Snake black mark on nape, pattern. bright yellow. Eyes bright oblique streak eye to lip. reddish

Body purple-bluish,white Light to dark Avasare village cross bars with unusual Total albino with Lycodon aulicus brown,whitish-yellowish near Neral, (19º 01’ pattern. Pinkish patches purple-bluish (Linnaeus, 1758) cross bars of reticulate 40’’N and 73º 18’50’’ on dorsal and lateral colour morph and 3. Common Wolf Snake pattern throughout the E) Raigad District, sides Eyes pinkish red pattern. body. Eyes black. 24/03/2011. head pinkish. Light orange, white dots Olivaceous brown, pair of on the body with light buff coloured longitudinal Ladavali, near Mahad, Amphiesma stolatum orangish cross bars on Total albino with stripes with blackish (18º 06’ 30’’00" N and (Linnaeus, 1758) Buff anterior region. Whitish orange colour 4. irregular cross bars. Belly 75º 25’07’’ E) Raigad - belly with tinge of orange morph. whitish with black spots. District, 11/02/2008. with bluish tip. Iris flecked with gold. Eyes bright orange red. Uniform grass-green, Yellow without any short cross stripes across marking or pattern. A faint Macropisthodon the body. Black chevron- Total albino with Model Colony, stripe from eye to gape. plumbicolor (Canter, shaped mark on nape, yellow colour (18º 30’ N and 73º 50’ 5. Belly white without any 1839) Green Keelback black stripe-eye to gape. morph. E ) Pune, 10/10/2012. tinge. Belly white with greenish Eyes reddish. tinge. Iris greenish gold.

31 REPTILE RAP #16, March 2014 aringe W S hardul

Image 1. Buff-striped Keelback Amphiesma stolatum

yellow to orange respectively and, iridophores (complete or total) albinos are recognized by which contain crystallized purines responsible their pinkish or yellowish body colour and for iridescence and the blue colouration in reddish eyes in life. Partial albinism consists reptile skin. Gamble et al. (2006) have pointed of achromatic areas at portions of the skin. out that because there are multiple varieties of chromatophores, the failure to produce a During the years 2008-2012, around normal amount of pigment in one cell type 850 snakes were removed from residential does not generally alter the ability of the areas in Maharashtra by volunteers of non- other chromatophores. Thus, various aberrant governmental organizations and rescue colours and patterns in reptiles are expressed groups. A number of such snakes were caught and the most striking colour pigment anomaly and then released into nearby non-residential is albinism. habitats after recording their morphometric measurements. All these snakes were identified Albinism is classified according to the area using existing literature ( Smith 1943, Daniel affected and the degree of the involved genetic 1983, Whitaker & Captain 2008). defect (Bechtel 1995). Spadola & Insacco (2010) have indicated that the albinism is due While a large majority of these rescued to the blockade of metabolic pathway of the snakes had normal colours and patterns of melanophores leading to melanin synthesis. that particular species. But, on five different If metabolic alteration has impacted the skin occasions, some unusual (aberrant) colour and eye melanophores, it results in complete morphs were encountered. These snakes were albinism; and when it impacts only either part, identified as Common Sand Boa Gongylophis then incomplete albinism occurs. Sazima and conicus , Common Trinket Snake Coleognathus Pombal (1986) have pointed out that true helena helena, Common Wolf Snake Lycodon

32 REPTILE RAP #16, March 2014 G hule K rishna

Image 2. Common Sand Boa Gongylophis conicus

aulicus, Buff-striped Keelback Amphiesma and patterns reported in various species of stolatum, and Green Keelback Macropisthodon Indian snakes. A number of albino cases of G. plumbicolor. conicus have been previously reported with pinkish, whitish, yellowish and orange colour The albinistic cases have been presented body with or without any pattern (Whitaker in Table-1 along with their usual colour and 1971; Chaturvedi 2001; Kulkarni 2010; Desai pattern, and locality. All the five individuals 2011; Ghadekar 2011; Sayyed 2012; Jadhav & had complete albinism. As both the skin and Mahabal 2012). Numerous albino cases of C. eye melanophores were affected and the helena helena with yellowish-white, yellow- colour of the eyes in all the individuals were orangish, golden-yellow body with or without either reddish or bright red. Further, in case of yellow or brown pattern have been reported L. aulicus, probably along with melanophores, (Vyas 1987; Desai 2011; Sayyed 2012; Vyas xanthophores were affected but iridophores 2012). Two albino cases have been reported and to certain extent erythrophores were in L. aulicus with whitish body (Sayyed 2012), unaffected which resulted in purple-bluish and whitish-pink body with dark red bands pigmentation with pinkish patches on body (Hoshing et al. 2013). Complete albino cases and a pinkish head. The yellow colouration in of A. stolatum with orange colour body with case of M. plumbicolour and yellow colour with orangish crossbars along with white dots yellow golden pattern in C. helena helena could and fully yellow colour body have also been probably the xanthophores were unaffected. reported (Kulkarni 2011; Sayyed 2012). Few In the remaining two cases, probably the cases of total albinos have been reported in excessive synthesis of carotenoides in the M. plumbicolor with yellowish body (Sayyed pigmentary system, reflected the orange 2012) and whitish-pinkish body (Hoshing et al. colouration in G. conicus and orange body 2013). colour with orangish pattern in A. stolatum. It is, therefore, inferred that these A perusal of literature revealed that there cases of complete albinism reported in this are many instances of partial, incomplete and communication show similar patterns to those complete albinism with aberrant colour morphs reported previously. The completely albino L. 33 REPTILE RAP #16, March 2014 O mkar H ardas

Image 3. Common Trinket Snake Coleognathus helena helena

aulicus with a purple-bluish pigmentation with various snake rescue groups for collecting the pinkish patches on body and head seems to be unusual snakes with photographs. unusual with respect to existing reports. References Vyas (2013) has pointed out that the further research is needed on histopathology Bechtel, H.B. (1995). Reptile and Amphibian variants :Colours, Patterns and Scales. Kreiger publishing and biopsies of skin tissue and ‘dopa test’ to Company, Malabar, Florida, U.S.A., xvii+206 Pp. enrich the knowledge on colour anomaly in Chaturvedi, N. (2001). “Colours no bars ?” Hornbill, reptilian species. Further, we too feel that July-Sept.-31. a substantial quantitative data is required to Daniel, J.C. (1983). The Book of Indian Reptiles. Bombay Natural History Society, Bombay. Pp 1-141. analyze the pattern of occurrence of albinism Desai, A. (2011). Sarp Sandharbh-Dahod (Prakruti Mitra in snakes. Mandal), 1-260 pp (in Gujarathi). Gamble, T., J.L. Aherns & V. Card (2006). Tyrosinase activity in Skin of three strains of albino Gecko Acknowledgements (Eublepharis macularius). Gecko 5(1) : 39-44. Ghadekar, P. (2011). “Albino Sand Boa” “http : //www. The authors are thankful to Dr. R.M. Sharma, indianaturewatch.net/displayimage.php?id=288486. Hoshing, V., Thakur, S. & A. Mahabal (2013). Cases Scientist (Retd.), for valuable suggestions of total albinism in Green Keelback Macropisthodon and Shri Manoj Jadhav, Sr. Research Fellow, plumbicolor and Common Wolf Snake Lycodon aulicus Zoological Survey of India, Pune for his inputs (Colubridae). Reptile Rap 15: 46-47. and reference collection. We are also thankful Jadhav, M. & A. Mahabal. (2012). Sighting of albino Common Sand Boa Gongylophis conicus from northern to Shri. Krishna Ghule, Omkar Hardas, Shrikant Western Ghats, Maharashtra. Journal of Bombay Uke, Vaibhav Patwardhan, Sandip Upadhye, Natural History Society 109(3): 140-141. Shardul Waringe and Shrikant Pawar from Kulkarni, P. (2010). “Albino Sand Boa” “http : //www. indianaturewatch.net/displayimage.php?id=163238. 34 REPTILE RAP #16, March 2014

Kulkarni, P. (2011). “Albino Striped Keelback” “http://www.indianaturewatch.net/displayimage. php?id=212232. Sayyed, A. (2012). The Distribution of Albino Green Keelback. http://www.indiawilds.com/diary/the- distribution-of-albino-green-keelback/. 1-4 pages. atwardhan Sazima, I. & J.P. Pombal (1986). Um albino de

Rhamdella minuta, com notas sobre comportamento P aibhav V (Osteichthyes, Pimelodidae). Revista Brasileria de Biologia 46(2): 377-381. Smith, M.A. (1943). The Fauna of British India, Ceylon and Burma, including of Whole of Indo-chinese subregion. Reptilia and Amphibia. Vol-III- Serpentes. Taylore and Francis, London. Xii + 583 Pp. Spadola, F. & G. Insacco (2010). Incomplete albinism in Discoglossus pictus (Otth, 1837). Acta Herpatologica, 5(2): 245-248. Vyas, R. (1987). A List of the Snakes of Bhavnagar District, Gujarat State. Journal of Bombay Natural History Society 84: 227-230. Vyas, R. (2012). Albinism in two Indian colubrine snakes, Oligodon arnensis and Coelognathus helena. Sauria, 34(3): 57-61. Vyas R. (2013). Note on an unusual colour morphism in Oriental Rat Snake Ptyas muscosa (Linnaeus, 1758). Image 4. Common Wolf Snake Lycodon aulicus Reptile Rap 15: 43-45. Whitaker, R. (1971). Notes on Indian Snakes-1. Journal of Bombay Natural History Society 68(2): 461-463.

Whitaker, R. & A. Captain (2008). Snakes of India. The awar Field Guide. Draco Books, Chennai. xiv+479pp. S hrikant P

Image 5. Green Keelback Macropisthodon plumbicolor

35 REPTILE RAP #16, March 2014 Occurence and Observation on Morphological Colour Pattern Changes of Ramphotyphlops braminus (Daudin, 1803) in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India

V. Rangasamy, C. Sivaperuman & C. Raghunathan Zoological Survey of India, Andaman and Nicobar Regional Centre, Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands 744102, India [email protected]

Introduction This is the only species of snake known to be parthenogenetic and oviparous. R. braminus Andaman & Nicobar Islands located in the is closely related to Maxhoserus pammeces Bay of Bengal are endowed with a variety of Gunther, 1864, a native species of India, and faunal communities. These groups of Islands it act as evidence to know the geographical comprised 572 islands and it is one of the origins of the (Hoser 2012). In the biodiversity hotspot in India and situated present communication the observation on between 6o-14o N & 91o-94o E. So far eight the changes of morphological colour pattern families of snakes are reported from these in the captive conditon are provided. Islands (Harikrishnan et al. 2010). Blind snake belongs to the family Typhlopidae represented Materials and Methods by two genus. It includes endemic species andamanensis Stoliczka, 1871. Two female specimens were collected The genus Ramphotyphlops Fitzinger, 1843 during the month of February and March, represents only one species Ramphotyphlops 2013 from Port Blair (11.64 232 N; 92.72 braminus (Daudin, 1803) and reported from 821 E), South Andaman (Reg.No. T-3048) and Nicobar groups of islands namely, Katchal, Mayabander (12˚50’678N 92˚51’358E) North Chowra, Terasa, Great Nicobar (Vijayakumar Andaman (Reg.No.T-3049). (Map 1.) An adult & David 2006), Car Nicobar (Das & Wallach specimen collected from Port Blair examined 1998). According to Boulenger (1893) R. under captive condition. Body measurements, braminus is native to South Asia, Indian scale counting, colour pattern changes (gray Ocean islands and south of Equator. colour to dark shiny brown), and behavioral Recently, it has global range of distribution activities of this animal were documented. and its type locality is Visakhapatnam, Andhra The collected specimens were preserved and Pradesh in southern India (Hoser 2012). Hoser deposited at the National Zoological Collections (2012) reviewed and erect new tribe, genera of Zoological Survey of India, Port Blair. of the whole infraorder . In this scenario R. braminus coming under new tripe Morphological description called Maxhoserini. The colour and scale counts are characteristic

Table 1. Morphometry (mm) of Ramphotyphlops braminus collected from two places in Andaman Specimen MSR SC HW TaL TL MTD SVL A 20 11 4.0 3.0 127 3.0 124 B 20 10 3.0 2.0 99 2.1 97

TL- total length, TaL - tail length, SVL, snout vent length; MTD- mid tail diameter, HW-head width, MSR-mid body scale row, SC-sub caudal scale (Specimen A - Collected from Port Blair (South Andaman); Specimen B- Collected from Mayabander (North Andaman)

36 REPTILE RAP #16, March 2014

Plate 1. a) Gray colored specimen from Port Blair, b) Colour changed to dark brownish during captive breeding, c) Specimen from Mayabander, d) juvenile, e) ventral view, f) mouth opening

37 REPTILE RAP #16, March 2014 of R. braminus and observed that body colour Acknowledgements was shiny gray in dorsal, creamy at ventral at the time of capture. During the captive The authors thank the Ministsry of condition its colour starts to change into Environment and Forests, Government of brownish, on fourth day completely changed India for providing the necessary facilities for to dark brownish (Plate 1). The scattered white carrying out the work. Our gratitude is also patches were observed before the completion expressed to the Director, Zoological Survey of colour change. The snake was small in size, of India for the support provided. We also glossy bodied with uniform range, longitudinal thanks to Shri. C. R. Sreeraj and Shri. R. scale rows encircling the whole body, coloured Raghuraman, Zoological Survey of India, Port smooth scales, translucent. Indistinct eye, Blair for their timely help. small and ventrally placed mouth, occasionally shows tiny tongue, blunt rounded snout, very References short tail end with sharp spine. The detailed morphometric measurements are presented in Boulenger, G.A. (1893). Catalogue of the snakes in the British Natural history Museum, London. Plate Table 1. XXVII+448 pp. Das I. & V. Wallach (1998). “Scolecophidian arboreality R. braminus is the smallest snake (Max. revisited,” Herpetological Review., 29(1):15. length 180 mm) and also its hatchling is only Harikrishnan, S., K. Vasudevan & B.C. Choudury (2010). A review of herpetofaunal descriptions and studies about 2 inch (40-50 mm), width is 0.04 inch from Andaman and Nicobar Islands, with an updated and weighs only 0.13-0.14 g and however, the checklist., In: Ramakrishna, C. Raghunathan & C. species of genus Ramphotyphlops Fitzinger, Sivaperuman (eds). Recent trends in biodiversity of Andaman and Islands, pp. 387-398 Nicobar Zoological 1843 attains maximum length of 95 cm (Kley, Survey of India, Kolkata. 2003). The colour changes depend upon its Kley, N.J. (2003). Blind snakes (Typhlopidae). In: presence under hidden place and exposure to M.Hutchins, J.B. Murthy & N. Schlager (eds.), Grzimek’s Animal life Encyclopedia, 2nd edition Vol.7, sun light. At the time of its capture, snake Reptiles, pp.379-385. Gale Group, Farmington Hills, was gray in colour and subsequently changed MI. into brownish in captivity. The present study Hoser, R.T. (2012). A review of the extant Scolecophidians reports its occurrence mainly human habituated (“Blind snakes”) including the formal naming and diagnosis of new tribes, genera, subgenera, species areas, there might be the possibilities to and for divergent taxa. Australian Journal come from main land through various modes of Herpetology 15: 1-64. of transports. Vijayakumar, S.P. & P. David (2006). , natural history, and distribution of the snakes of the Nicobar Islands (India), based on new materials and with an emphasis on endemic species. Russian Journal of Herpetology 13(1): 11–40.

38 REPTILE RAP #16, March 2014 Report of Kerala Mud Snake Dieurostus dussumierii from a beach in Kochi, Kerala

Doki Adimallaiah Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, Ministry of Environment & Forests, Sub-Regional Office, C-3, Kendriya Bhavan, Kakkand, Kochi, Kerala 628037, India [email protected]

The Kerala mud snake Dieurostus (9°58’4.00”N 76°14’26.09”E 3m asl) on 28 dussumierii (Duméril, Bibron & Duméril, 1854) October 2012 at 17.30hr a dead Kerala Mud is a little-known Homalopsid water snake Snake was sighted on the sandy beach (see endemic to southwestern Indian coastal plains Figure). It was found only 2-3 m away from the (Chandramouli et al. 2012; Kumar & Captain sea. The body appeared shrunken suggesting 2011, Kumar et al. 2012). Precise locality records that the snake might have died before one are from Thrissur to Thiruvananthapuram. or two days. An exhaustive questionnaire Based on a recent molecular study (Kumar et with the locals revealed that the snake was al. 2012), its generic allocation was reassessed not thrown there by people who killed it and was changed from Enhydris to Dieurostus. elsewhere. Thus, it is of interest that this It is locally known as “kanda pampu” (paddy species actually inhabits sandy beaches and snake) in southern Kerala and “cheli kutta” sea coasts. (mud snake) in the north, suggesting its affinity towards inhabiting freshwater marshlands and Recent study on this species’ habitat water-logged paddy fields (Chandramouli et associations (Kumar et al. 2012) revealed that al. 2012; Kumar & Captain 2011). In this note, this species is salt-tolerant, an adaptation that I report my record of Kerala Mud Snake from is found only in a few Homalopsids, as many a sandy beach stretch adjoining the seacoast species will actually die within a day or two in Kochi, Kerala. when exposed to full seawater (Murphy 2007). Kumar et al. (2012) remarked “Salt tolerance During a visit to Fort Kochi beach has evolved a limited number of times in

Location of the Kerala Mud Snake sighting

39 REPTILE RAP #16, March 2014

Dead Kerala Mud Snake Dieurostus dussumierii from Kochi beach, Kerala

extant snakes: once in the acrochordids, at Acknowledgement least twice in the front-fanged sea snakes (Hydrophiinae), at least twice, possibly more in I would like to thank Mr. S.R. Ganesh, the natricids, at least once in the dipsidids, and Chennai Snake Park Trust for his extended at least once in homalopsids. The total number support in identifying the specimen and help of living snakes inhabiting saline environments in manuscript preparation. I also thank Mr. S.R. is approximately 110 species comprising 3% of Chandra Mouli for his help identification of extant snakes.” the specimen. I would like to thank Dr. A. Biju Kumar, Dept. of Aquatic Biology & Fisheries, Although salt tolerance is an adaptation, it University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram for does not infer that this species cannot survive his help in providing the reference papers on in freshwater habitats. Recent sightings of Kerala Mud Snake. this species have all been in freshwater lakes (Chandramouli et al. 2012; Kumar & Captain References 2012). Kumar et al. (2012) remark “For salt- Chandramouli, S.R., Baiju, J.J. Sebastien & S.R. tolerant snakes, following the coast would Ganesh (2012). Expanded description of Enhydris be much more probable than over-land dussumierii (Duméril, Bibron & Duméril, 1854) dispersal. In this scenario, fresh water would (Reptilia: Colubridae: Homalopsinae). Taprobanica 4(1):. remain available from rivers and rainfall Kumar, A.B., & A. Captain (2011). Recent records of and the snakes could shuttle between fresh the endemic Kerala mud snake, Enhydris dussumierii and saltwater habitats for osmoregulation.” (Duméril, Bibron & Duméril, 1854) from India. Current Therefore, it appears that this species can Science 100(6): 928-931. Kumar, A.B., K.L. Sanders, S. George & J.C. Murphy inhabit both fresh and saltwater marshes (2012). The status of Eurostus dussumierii and but has thus far been sighted only from Hypsirhina chinensis (Reptilia, Squamata, Serpentes): freshwater lakes. Therefore, the present with comments on the origin of salt tolerance in Homalopsid snakes. Systematics and Biodiversity sighting of a freshly-dead individual in Kochi 10:479-489. beach further reconfirms the veracity of Murphy, J.C. (2007). Homalopsid Snakes: Evolution in molecular studies made by Kumar et al. (2012) the Mud. Krieger Publishing, Malabar, Florida, 249 pp. based on specimens caught from a freshwater lake.

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