Reptile Rap Newsletter of the South Asian Reptile Network ISSN 2230-7079 No.11, January 2011
Contents
A note on snakes of Kanha National Park and surrounding areas -- Sanjay Thakur, Pp. 2-4.
Reptilian diversity in and around the Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, Gujarat, India -- Raju Vyas, Pp. 5-15.
Rescue and rehabilitation of an Indian Mud Turtle Lissemys punctata poisoned with bleaching powder -- Indramani Nath, Subharaj Samantara, Chinmaya Bhuyan and Siddharth Ranabijuli, Pp. 16-18.
Sighting of King Cobra Ophiophagus hannah in Arunachal Pradesh, India: a new altitude record for northeastern India -- Harkirat Singh Sangha, Rishad Naoroji & Manoj Sharma, Pp. 19-20
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1 REPTILE RAP #11, January 2011 A note on snakes of Kanha National Park and has been compiled. Colubridae surrounding areas has the largest number of species in Kanha area. Notes Sanjay Thakur on the abundance, occurrence and literature sources are Biome Conservation Foundation, 18, Silver Moon, S.No.1/2A/2, Bavdhan Kh., Pune, Maharashtra 411021, India provided. Email: [email protected], [email protected] Typhlopidae 1. Ramphotyphlops Kanha National Park (KNP) Snakes were identified based braminus (Daudin, 1803) is situated about 160km south on Smith (1943) and Whitaker Brahminy Worm Snake east of Jabalpur in Madhya & Captain (2004). In addition Note: Observed in Khatiya Pradesh. It is one of the most to this, published literature area in a termite mound dug important tiger reserves of was reviewed. by local people. Also seen India and is situated in prime The study area is KNP and during the day on Kisli Road Sal forest well known for its villages in the surrounding (June 2007) after the first rich diversity of endemic area. Moulton & Hulsey monsoon showers. mammals and birds. Since (1999) have reported four Literature: Sanyal & Sur its establishment in 1973, principle vegetation types (1995) the faunal diversity of Kanha in KNP: moist deciduous 2. Grypotyphlops acutus Tiger Reserve (KTR) has been forest, dry deciduous forest, (Duméril & Bibron, 1844) surveyed by wildlife scientists valley meadow and plateau Beaked Worm Snake and naturalists. A perusal of meadow. Shorea robusta Note: Found on forest path published literature shows (Sal) is the dominant species from Mocha to Khatiya in that so far the focus has in the forest and grasslands October 2006. been more on the biology of are interspersed with thick large mammals, birds and tree cover in and around the Pythonidae the management aspects in national park. 3. Python molurus KNP. However, some other A list of 22 species belonging molurus (Linnaeus, 1758) taxa such as snakes have not to 20 genera and five families Indian Rock Python (Image 1) yet been fully documented from the reserve. Sanyal & Sur (1995) have compiled a list of invertebrate as well as vertebrate fauna of KNP but include only nine snake species. Hence, a list of snakes in Kanha based upon primary as well as secondary literature is provided here along with notes to add to the present knowledge. The observations were made between September 2006 and June 2007. During this period, the tourism zone of KNP and reserved forests near Khatiya and Mocha villages were regularly surveyed. Image 1. Python molurus molurus Indian Rock Python 2 REPTILE RAP #11, January 2011 Note: Commonly observed Note: Seen close to Nakti (Daudin, 1803) Common in the tourism zone and forest Ghati anikut in December Bronzeback Tree Snake areas around Mocha and 2006 Note: Observed on a mango Khatiya. Large specimen seen 6. Coelognathus helena tree in Kanha Ghat and also in was around 3.8m (12.5ft) monticollaris (Schulz, 1992) Mocha in March 2007. in Mukki range in March Montane Trinket Snake 10. Lycodon striatus (2007). Juveniles were often Note: Roadkill on Sijhora (Shaw, 1802) Barred Wolf observed in the surrounding Road close to Koila bhatta in Snake RF areas during April 2007. February 2007 Note: Observed on Khatiya In December 2006, seven 7. Ptyas mucosa mucosa road close to Police station jackals hunted and fed on a (Linnaeus. 1758) Indian Rat 11. Lycodon aulicus 2.3m (7.5ft) python in Phuta Snake (Linnaeus, 1758) Common Tal area in the evening. Note: Very common, found Wolf Snake (Image 3) Literature: Sanyal & Sur throughout the park and Note: Common throughout (1995), Moulton & Hulsey surrounding areas. Often the area. Killed specimen (1999) killed in villages. An eight was observed near Kanha feet long specimen was seen Museum. Several were Colubridae on Kanha main Road close to observed around the Mocha 4. Coelognathus radiatus Chamhar Ghat. Village in all seasons. (Boie, 1827) Copper-headed Literature: Sanyal & Sur Literature: Sanyal & Sur Trinket Snake (Image 2) (1995), Moulton & Hulsey (1995), Moulton & Hulsey Note: Seen in Mocha close (1999) (1999) to the stream just after the 8. Argyrogena fasciolata 12. Sibynophis sagittarius beginning of the monsoons. (Shaw, 1802) Banded Racer (Cantor, 1839) Cantor’s Black- Villagers report that it climbs Note: Observed basking headed Snake trees and feeds on birds. on a log near Schaller hide Note: Not seen during the Literature: Negi (2004) Road. survey period 5. Coelognathus helena Literature: Sanyal & Sur Literature: Sanyal & Sur helena (Daudin, 1803) (1995) (1995) Common Trinket Snake 9. Dendrelaphis tristis 13. Amphiesma stolatum (Linnaeus, 1758) Striped Keelback Note: Commonly seen in national park and surroundings after the first monsoon showers. Several killed on road from Tatri to Khatiya 14. Macropisthodon plumbicolor (Cantor, 1839) Green Keelback Note: Juvenile specimen found killed on a rock near Khatiya Gate, March 2007 15. Xenochrophis piscator (Schneider, 1799) Checkered Keelback Note: Common in all streams, rivers, anikuts inside Image 2. Coelognathus radiatus Copper-headed Trinket Snake as well as outside KNP.
3 REPTILE RAP #11, January 2011 Literature: Sanyal & Sur (1995) 23. Echis carinatus (Schneider, 1801) Saw Scaled Viper Note: Doubtful Literature: Moulton & Hulsey (1999) 24. T r i m e r e s u r u s gramineus (Shaw, 1802) Bamboo Pit Viper Note: Observed on bamboo clumps and in tree hole close to Bapsa Behra Road in February 2007 Image 3. Lycodon aulicus Common Wolf Snake Discussion Kanha National Park covers 16. Boiga forsteni E.J. Hulsey (pers. comm.), a large area of well-protected (Duméril, Bibron & Duméril, Faiyaz & Eric D’Cunha (pers. Sal forest in almost natural 1854) Forsten’s Cat Snake comm.) conditions. The habitat Note: About 1.1m (3.5ft) 20. Bungarus caeruleus conditions are suitable for individual observed in Mocha (Schneider, 1801) Common many more snake species, Forest on a Sal tree Krait which are seen in Madhya 17. Ahaetulla nasuta Note: Most common Pradesh. However, owing to (Lacepède, 1789) Common venomous snake seen in the lack of comprehensive Vine Snake and around the NP between survey of the entire park area Note: Found close to March and July. 1.4m (4.5ft) only 22 species are noted so viewing point of Bamani long specimen was observed. far. It is thus essential to Dadar. The brown form was Often killed on roads and by conduct an extensive survey noted close to Chai nalla, local people. of the national park area to Kanha range. Literature: Sanyal & Sur record the diversity of snake 18. E l a c h i s t o d o n (1995), Moulton & Hulsey species. westermanni Reinhardt, 1863 (1999) Venomous snakes like Indian Egg-eater Snake 21. Naja naja (Linnaeus, kraits and cobras are very Literature: Included based 1758) Spectacled Cobra commonly seen but bites are upon Handbook of Kanha Note: Occasionally found in seldom reported. In spite of National Park by H.S. Panwar and around the NP throughout this, several venomous as (cited in Moulton & Hulsey the year. Often killed by local well as non venomous snakes 1999) people are killed by the local people Literature: Sanyal & Sur owing to a lack of awareness. Elapidae (1995), Moulton & Hulsey As mentioned in the notes 19. Bungarus fasciatus (1999) above, road kills are common (Schneider, 1801) Banded on the main road to the Krait Viperidae Khatiya gate and also within Note: 1.7m (5.5ft) 22. Daboia russelii (Shaw the park during the tourist specimen was reported in & Nodder, 1797) Russell’s season from October to June Mocha Village in July 2007. Viper end. It is necessary to create Reference: C. Moulton & Note: Rarely seen awareness amongst tourist
4 REPTILE RAP #11, January 2011 vehicle drivers to avoid road Reptilian diversity in and around the kills and take other measures Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, Gujarat, to minimize them. India
References Raju Vyas
505, Krishnadeep Tower, Fatehgunj, Vadodara, Gujarat 390002, India Moulton C. & E.J. Hulsey Email: [email protected] (1999). Kanha Tiger Reserve, Portrait of an Indian National Park. Vakils, Feffer and Simons With varied topography Table 1. List of earlier records Ltd., Mumbai, 220pp. and environmental conditions, of reptilian species from the sanctuary Negi, H.S. (2004). First record of Gujarat State harbours a the Copperhead Snake Elaphe rich and unique diversity of Name of Species radiata from Madhya Pradesh. reptiles. Present reptilian Crocodylidae Journal of Bombay Natural fauna composition of Gujarat 1 Crocodylus palustris * History Society 101(1): 166. State contains 114 species of Chamaelionidae Panwar, H.S. (1991). Kanha reptiles (Gayen 1999; Vyas 2 Chameleon zealanicus * # National Park - A Handbook. 2000a, 2000b, 2007; Vyas et Agamidae Centre for Environment al. 2006; Vyas 2007). 3 Calotes calotes * # Education, Ahmedabad, Inspite of all this data, some 4 Calotes versicolor * 135pp. pockets of the protected area 5 Calotes rouxi * # Sanyal, D.P. & S. Sur (1995). have remained unexplored 6 Sitana ponticeriana * # Reptilia. pp. 51-62. In: or the intensive efforts to Scincidae Ghose R.K. (ed.). Fauna of document (reptilian fauna 7 Eutropis carinata * # Conservation Areas No. 7: in particular) have been 8 Eutropis macularia * # Fauna of Kanha Tiger Reserve insufficient including areas Geckonidae Madhya Pradesh. Zoological like Girnar, Balaram-Ambaji, 9 Hemidactylus flaviviridis * # Survey of India, Kolkata. Pania, Mitiyala, Kutch Desert 10 Hemidactylus brookii * # Smith, M.A. (1943). The Fauna and Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Varanidae of British India, Ceylon and Sanctuary (SWS). Recent 11 Varanus bengalensis * Burma, including the whole of record of a new species of a Typhlopidae the Indo-chinese sub-region. Ground Dwelling Gecko by 12 Ramphotyphlops braminus * # Reptilia and Amphibia, 3. Giri et al. (2009) not only Boidae Serpentes. London. (Reprinted shows the significance of 13 Python molurus * state reptilian fauna, but also 1961 and 1981). Uropeltidae Whitaker R. & A. Captain indicates that the present 14 Uropeltis ocellatus * # (2004). Snakes of India: state fauna has been under- Colubridae estimated and needs more The Field Guide. Draco Books, 15 Amphiesma stolata # exploration to know the actual Chennai, India, 481pp. 16 Ptyas mucosus * # reptilian diversity. 17 Xenochrophis piscator * # The literature reveals that a Elapidae few herpetologists, e.g., Naik 18 Naja naja * # et al. (1995) and Sabnis & Viperidae Amin (1992) have attempted 19 Echis carinata * # the study of reptiles at the (Source: * - Sabnis & Amin 1992; # - Naik Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife et al. 1993) Sanctuary (Table 1). Also, a few published scientific papers and miscellaneous
5 REPTILE RAP #11, January 2011 notes mention the records of a few reptilian species from the area, including Burton (1941), Sharma (1982), Naoroji & Monga (1983), Naik et al. (1992) Naik & Vinod (1994) and Vyas (1991, 1998, 2008). But none of them thoroughly or extensively explored the entire sanctuary for reptiles. Therefore this survey was conducted to know the present status of reptilian diversity in and around Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary from January 2007 to December 2008. Figure 1. Study area
Study Area The Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary (SWS) lies on the southern side of Narmada River, located on the western most end of the Satpura mountain ranges. The sanctuary shares a common boundary area on its eastern side with two Indian states: Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. The SWS encompasses 607.71km2 of deciduous forest and is geographically located in between 21039’-21051’N & 73034’-73054’E (Fig. 1, Image 1). According to Champion & Image 1. The Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary Seth (1968) these forests are classified as bio-geographic riverine forest. reptilian diversity. zone 4 - the semi-arid zone Habitat: The SWS is a Wetlands: Within the and are considered as 4B ‘dry mixed deciduous forest’, sanctuary area, there is no Gujarat-Rajwada Biotic further identified into the stagnant water wetland, except Province. This ecosystem following eight important a few river pools found on the represents remnants of semi- habitats. These identified river streams of Narmada and evergreen-moist deciduous habitats and particular forest its other tributaries namely: forest and is further classified pocket habitats areas were Karjan, Terav, Dev and its into moist teak forest, moist selected for the extensive small rivulets. There are two mixed deciduous forest, dry fieldwork and they were manmade water reservoirs deciduous scrub, dry bamboo repeatedly explored during Narmada Dam and Karjan brakes and dry tropical the study for measuring the Dam situated on the edges of
6 REPTILE RAP #11, January 2011 the sanctuary. especially during the monsoon selected various potential Riverine forest: A good season. Local inhabitants areas from the aspect of number of riverine forests are clear out the healthy forest availability of reptilian species found on both the sides of by setting it on fire in the end from the above identified the River Terav and rivulets of summer and prepare large major habitat areas. These of Narmada (left banks) and areas for agriculture. selected potential habitats Dev River (left banks), in the Degraded disturbed scrub were intensively explored sanctuary. forest: Large sized degraded (especially microhabitat) Moist Teak forest: Very and disturbed scrub forest regularly through repeated few pockets of moist teak areas are situated on the visits in various seasons. forests are found on Gichad, margin of the sanctuary and During the study, all the Waghumar and Chopadi are surrounded by agricultural important species were areas. These are surrounding fields within the sanctuary. documented through colour the high hills of Dhaman Mal, photographs. As and when Mat Baman and Dev Aanbalh Methods close examination was Dungar. The following survey required, then animals were Moist mixed deciduous methods were followed and caught and released in the forest: Very small pockets of the information was collected same area/habitat after the the habitat are found within in the following manner, (i) recording of necessary data. the sanctuary, including relevant literature survey, The status of each species of Gichad, Waghumar, Chopadi, (ii) field surveys by visual reptiles (except serpents) was Mal, Samot and Ninoy. encounter and plot and observed in four categories Dry deciduous forest: transect survey and, (iii) on the basis of total number Most of the sanctuary area is recording the species through of each species encountered covered with dry deciduous the indirect evidences like or sighted during the survey. forest. There are large areas shell, molt and footprints. The category values are: of dry deciduous forests found In addition, secondary rare (1-5); less common (6- surrounding the sanctuary in information was gathered from 25); common (26-75) and reserved forests. local people of surrounding abundant (above 76). Dry Bamboo brakes: Very villages, forest personnel and small forest areas of dry wildlife enthusiasts about the Results bamboo brakes are in the different species of reptiles During the study I have been sanctuary and found in Gichad, by interviewing and showing able to collect information of a Chopadi and Waghumar colour pictures of the species total of 40 species of reptiles (forest blocks of 233, 237 & to them. (Table 2) belonging to 13 238). Entire study area is families, including one species Agricultural fields: There identified and classified as of crocodile, two species of are large areas of agricultural per available known various turtles, 17 species of lizards fields found within the major habitats like, wetlands, and 20 species of snakes sanctuary. Most of the riverine forest, dry deciduous (four species of venomous agricultural fields are situated forest, moist teak forest, moist snakes). surrounded by villages, but mixed deciduous forest, dry some agricultural fields and bamboo brakes, Agricultural Crocodile experimental silvicultural fields and Degraded disturbed Crocodylidae: Mugger research plots are found in scrub forest. Crocodile Crocodylus palustris: the interior parts of the forest. Each one of the habitats A small population of Mugger There are noticeably large was identified within the or Marsh Crocodile is found in areas of the forest illegally sanctuary area through two reservoirs, Narmada Dam encroached by the inhabitants, rapid survey. Then we and Karjan Dam. These two
7 REPTILE RAP #11, January 2011 man-made water bodies are river pools are a part of the Bark Gecko Hemidactylus situated on the edge of the dam and are disconnected leschenaultii: The Bark Gecko sanctuary. The Narmada Dam from the main streams of is one of the common geckos is situated on the northern the reservoirs, during the dry in the area and found in all boundary and Karjan Dam is season. parts of the forest. The gecko found on the northwestern prefers dry deciduous and corner of the sanctuary, Lizards mix deciduous forest. It is both the reservoirs are very Gekkonidae: Brook’s recorded in all types of forest large and have submergence House Gecko Hemidactylus habitats, except dry bamboo areas covering 34867 and brookii: This is a small sized brakes and human settlement 3687 ha (approximately), gecko growing about 6-8 areas. respectively. During the visits, cm long. Most common and Termite Gecko I did not find any mugger abundantly found gecko Hemidactylus triedrus: This crocodiles in these two water species in the sanctuary. This nocturnal species is commonly reservoirs. According to the nocturnal species is found in found in degraded disturbed, local fishermen, two large all the parts of the sanctuary, agricultural and dry deciduous crocodiles were found in especially in and around habitat. At night, uncommonly Mokhadi Village area and five human habitation area. found on the forest floors and to six big crocodiles were Yellow-green House Gecko road. Small populations of found at Kanji, Khal and Hemidactylus flaviviridis: This the gecko were found on the Shoolpaneshwar faliya areas. is a most common gecko in way to Fulsar Village. These areas are on the edge the area and found in all parts Unidentified Gecko of right banks of Narmada of the forest. This species is (Hemidactylus sp.) (Image 2): Dam. A few published also associated with human This unidentified gecko species literature indicate that there habitations, and therefore is the found in the gardens is only a small population of the large sized specimens of the forest guest house muggers surviving in both are inhabitants of most of of Samot and Dediyapada. these reservoirs. the forest guest houses and On a close examination, offices which are located in the specimens looked like Turtles the sanctuary. Hemidactylus brookii species Trionychidae: Indian Soft-shell Turtle Nilssonia gangeticus: This is a large sized fresh water turtle, having scavenger and predating habits. The species is not recorded in the sanctuary area but it inhabits in Narmada and Karjan Dams. In monsoon season, female turtles use certain river stream area, which is a part of the Sanctuary. Indian Flap-shell Turtle Lissemys punctata: A small population of this species has been recorded in the perennial river pools of Terav, Dev and Narmada (tributary). These Image 2. Unidentified Gecko Hemidactylus( sp.) 8 REPTILE RAP #11, January 2011 can be differentiated as it has dorso-ventrally compressed body and lack of mid dorsa crest scales. This is one of the abundantly found commonest lizards in the area. The species prefers most types of habitat, except human habitations. Usually, found on big boulders. Therefore its common English name is ‘rock agama’. But it is observed that the lizard has arboreal habits and is found on large tree trunks. Image 3. Fan-throated Lizard Sitana ponticeriana
Chemaleonidae but it has mix small round Fan-throated Lizard Sitana Indian Chameleon and large tubercle on the ponticeriana (Image 3): Chamaeleo zeylanicus: During back. Recently four species This is a small terrestrial the study very few specimens of geckos are described from species. This is one of the were observed crossing the India within the Hemidactylus most common lizards from road at Sagai, Dabka and brookii complex. It needs the Agamidae family and it is near Mojada Village areas. further detailed study for found in all types of habitats This lizard has special type identification, especially DNA of the entire sanctuary. It of adaptive ability and fingerprinting. can be differentiated from the camouflage with surrounding; other agamas due to its four therefore its presence is not Agamidae toes in hind limbs, whereas noticeable. It is recorded in Indian Garden Lizard others have five toes. riverine, dry deciduous and Calotes versicolor: This lizard Rock Agama Psammophilus moist deciduous forest habitats species is commonly found blanfordanus (Image 4): of the sanctuary. Locals refer in all types of habitat right Apparently, it looks like a to it as a poisonous lizard from agricultural fields to the common garden lizard but it and therefore they kill it out dry deciduous and degraded disturbed forest habitats. The large sized specimens are commonly found in and around the gardens of forest guest houses. An unusually white coloured large male was sighted at Waghumar Village, which is very interesting. During the study, I observed a few gravid females foraging on the road under the vehicles’ lights in between Mojada and Sagai villages. Such foraging is very unusual for such a diurnal species and that too in a gravid condition. Image 4. Rock Agama Psammophilus blanfordanus 9 REPTILE RAP #11, January 2011 of fear. In local language it is indicates that pre-summer is niche with the Allapalli Grass called “nag tod” the breeding season. Skink. Allapalli Grass Skink Unidentified Skink Eutropis( Scincidae Eutropis allapallensis: This is sp.): This unidentified skink Lined Supple Skink one of the commonest skinks belonging to Eutropis was Lygosoma lineata: This is a found abundantly in the entire observed at Bantawadi and small and thin supple skink with forest area with all types Dandawadi forest block in a five to six brownish-golden of forest habitats, except dry riverine habitat. Scales lines on its body. This is one agricultural, disturbed scrub and body colour marking of the endemic diurnal skinks forest and open dry lands. It are very similar to Eutropis from India. Its subterranean is found under vegetation and carinata but the head scales life style, habits and habitat dry leaf litter. differ from that of the common are entirely special, and they Keeled Grass Skink Eutropis keeled grass skink. Further contribute to its rarity. carinata: This is one of the detailed study is required to A few specimens were found common skinks found in the confirmation its identity. at Nenoi and Samot villages. entire forest area in all types Two young ones were found at of forest habitats including Lacertidae Samot, under large boulders agricultural, disturbed scrub Snake Eye Lacerta in open scrublands which were forest and open dry lands. A (Ophisops sp.) (Image 5): converted into agricultural good number of skinks were This is small sized about 4-8 fields during the monsoons. I found under vegetation and cm long lacerta. This diurnal found one juvenile specimen dry leaf litter along with other terrestrial lizard is found in of the species, under tree con-gener. many parts of the sanctuary. buttresses at Nenoi. The tree Bronze Grass Skink This species is found in dry buttresses were covered with Eutropis maculara: This deciduous, agricultural and a layer of thick decayed leaf is a less-common skink in degraded scrub forests. litter. Along with L. lineata, I comparison to the other two Further detailed study is observed four other members Eutropis spp. It is found in required to confirm its of skinks including Lygosoma all types of forest habitats, identity. albopunctata, Eutropis except agricultural and open allapallensis, E. carinata and dry lands. This skink species Varanidae E. macularia. All these five shares the same habitat and Bengal Monitor Varanus skinks were found on the same location within about 3x3 m size area and sharing the same microhabitat. Spotted Supple Skink Lygosoma punctatus: This is one of the diurnal skinks. During the survey it was found in Chopdi, Waghumar, Nenoi and Fulsar forest blocks. It is active in noon and is found under leaf litter, rocks, boulders and decayed wooden logs. A gravid female with three eggs was found under rocks in the month of March at Waghumar forest area. It Image 5. Snake Eye Lacerta (Ophisops sp.) 10 REPTILE RAP #11, January 2011 bengalensis: A sub-adult was found near Samot Village python was rescued from specimen was observed near on 25 January 2009, a road Rajpipala City. Also, in the the Gora range at the northern kill. end of September 2008, a boundary of the sanctuary. Red Sand Boa Eryx johnii: 3.5m long Indian Rock Python It may have come from the This is a fossorial terrestrial was released by the SFD, near agricultural fields. The snake species and is usually which was later rescued from species’ status determined at found in agricultural fields. Gopalpur town, Rajpipala. the sanctuary is likely to be On 31 May 2005, a sub adult uncertain. 45cm long boa was found Colubridae near Pipalod, crossing the Banded Racer Argyrogena Snakes road. fasciolatus: On 23 February During the study, most of Indian Rock Python Python 2008, a meter-long live snake the snakes were recorded by molurus: During the study, was found under a large accidents or found road killed. no python was observed or boulder at Dodava faliya of There were no special efforts reported in the Sanctuary Samot Village. made to search this species area. But this does not Striped Keelback due to the time constraint lead to the fact that this Amphiesma stolatum: During and objective of the study. species does not inhabit the the study two specimens Totally, 20 species of snakes sanctuary. The large area of were recorded at Mojada and were recorded in the study, riverine habitat and present Fulsar villages. A 71.5cm including four species of forest habitat indicates that long road killed snake was deadly venomous snakes. the species inhabits the found near Mojada Village. sanctuary. It might have been crushed Typhlopidae In third week of August by some speedy vehicle at Brahminy Worm Snake 2007, a 2.5m long python night. And a live 58cm (svl: Ramphotyphlops braminus: was released in the interior 43+tl:15) specimen was This is small worm type snake parts of the Sagai Forest by found near Fulsar, crossing species found in many parts Rajpipala Office, State Forest the road. of world. During the study a Department (SFD). The Forstein’s Cat Snake Boiga small 8cm long live specimen was found beneath the tree logs, in wet pockets of a forest nursery at Waghumar Village.
Boidae Common Sand Boa Gongylophis conicus: This is a fossorial terrestrial snake species. During the survey, three sub-adult specimens were found, a 62 (57+5) cm long snake was found at noon basking on the road on way to Waghumar. A second specimen was found on 03 May 2008 on the road at Mojada, killed under a vehicle. The third specimen Image 6. Indian Cat Snake Boiga trigonatus 11 REPTILE RAP #11, January 2011 This is a large sized diurnal territorial snake species. On 12 October 2007, a 2m long snake was observed on a tree on the way to Zarvani Village. The snake was very active in search of prey. On 01 March 2009, a 1m long dead rat snake was found near the Pipalod Village. It might have been killed by villagers out of fear due to its apparent similarity with Image 7. Bronze-back Tree Snake Dendrelaphis tristis cobra. Checkered Keel-back Water Snake Xenochropis forsteni: This is a nocturnal is a beautiful non venomous piscator: This is an aquatic arboreal cat snake. In the snake. A live 1m long snake species found in many areas first week of August 2007, was caught from the forest of the sanctuary. This is the a 1m live specimen was road, during a night drive most common snake species rescued from a village hut of from Dediyapada to Fulsar. in the area. It is found in all Mojada, by one of our team Common Wolf Snake types of water logging areas, members Mr. Irsad Theba. Lycodon aulicus: This is a including walls and paddy Indian Cat Snake Boiga nocturnal species, usually fields. trigonatus (Image 6): This is found in and around the a common nocturnal arboreal human vicinity. An adult Elapidae snake species. During the snake was found on 12 Common Indian Krait study a few live specimens October 2007 on the way to Bungarus caeruleus: This is were recorded from various Zarvani Village. a nocturnal venomous snake types of forest habitats at Green Keel-back Snake species. During the study two Sagai, Samot, Fulsar, Mojada, Macropisthodon plumbicolor: fresh killed adult snakes were including human settlement On 22 August 2008, a young found on 24 August 2007 and areas. one about 22cm long snake 05 July 2008, at Sagai and Bronze-back Tree Snake was found at Moti Singlot, Mojada, respectively. Both Dendrelaphis tristis (Image during the study. snakes were found as road 7): This is an arboreal diurnal Banded Kukri Snake kills. snake species and is usually Oligodon arnensis: On Spectacled Cobra Naja found on high canopy trees. 25 August 2008, an adult naja: This is the most On 31 May 2008, a live 1.2m measuring 37cm was found venomous snake species (snout to vent length 83.5 near Kokati Faliya, Mojada, active usually in dawn + 39.5 tail length) snake which indicates species and dusk. Prominently was found on the forest inhabitation in the area. found around the human floor under dry leaf litter Streaked Kukri Snake settlements and agricultural at Chopadi forest area. It Oligodon taeniolatus: On 11 fields. On 13 October 2007, might have crawled down on October 2008, a road killed a large sized 2m cobra was the forest floor due to the 30cm long snake was found found killed at Bhilvasi forest scorching heat. on our way to Kevadiya block. Indian Trinket Snake Colony to Zarwani Village. Coelognathus helena: This Rat Snake Ptyas mucosus:
12 REPTILE RAP #11, January 2011 Viperidae blanfordanus, Lined Supple was first time recorded from Indian Russell’s Viper Skink Lygosoma lineata and the Vansda National Park Daboia russelii: This is one Allapalli Grass Skink Eutropis (Vyas 2004). This species is of the most venomous, allapallensis. found abundantly in the entire nocturnal terrestrial snake Termite Gecko forest trek of the sanctuary species. It grows up to 2m Hemidactylus triedrus is and is most noteworthy. in length. During the study recorded for the first time from no specimen was found, but this forest, earlier this species Summary and Conclusion was recorded by indirect was recorded from various The result of the evidences like skin molts. protected areas of Gujarat. systematic study of reptilian The skin molt was found at The reports of the species diversity of Shoolpaneshwar two locations, near Sailendra recorded from proximal Wildlife Sanctuary indicates Sina van kedi and at the areas in southern Gujarat that there are 40 species Chopdi forest area. are from Purna-Dangs and in of reptiles, belonging to 13 Indian Saw-scaled Viper north are from Jambughoda inhabitant families, including Echis carinatus: This is Wildlife Sanctuary. This one species of crocodile, two a small sized venomous, present record of the gecko species of turtles, 17 species nocturnal terrestrial snake is notable. of lizards and 20 species species. During the study no Rock Agama Psammophilus of snakes. This shows the specimen was found but was blanfordanus is also a first time diversity and richness of the recorded by indirect evidence record from the sanctuary sanctuary. of skin molts. An intact skin area and a third locality The reptilian diversity molt was found near an record for the state. Earlier, is represented by 12 agricultural field of Mal only. the species was reported numbers of colubrid species According to the from Ratanmahal Wildlife followed by skinks and evolutionary adaptation of Sanctuary and Jambughoda geckos each represented each species of reptiles, Wildlife Sanctuary (Vyas by five species, agamids they inhabit in different 2000 & 2006). and boids each represented habitats. During the study Lined Supple Skink by three species. Families we observed 19 species of Lygosoma lineata is a first Trionychidae, Elapidae, terrestrial reptiles followed record from the sanctuary, Viperidae and Lacertidae are by 13 species of arboreal earlier the species was represented by two species and four species of fossorial reported from the right banks each. And rest of the three and aquatic reptiles each. of Narmada, Kevadiya Colony families (Crocodylidae, The status of reptilian fauna by Naik & Vinod (1994) as Chemaleonidae, Varanidae) of the area is intermediate the first record from the are represented by one (in comparison to other PAs state. Present records from species each. of Gujarat), and individual agricultural field of Samot Sabnis & Amin (1992) and status of each species is and dry deciduous forest of Naik et al. (1995) recorded mentioned in Table 2. Nenoi area of the sanctuary two species of lizards (Calotes is south (left banks) to calotes and Calotes rouxi) and Some of notable records Narmada River. a species of snake (Uropeltis In this study, a species of Allapalli Grass Skink ocellatus) inhabiting the area. amphibian and four species Eutropis allapallensis is an This claim needs further of reptiles are first time important skink. According to verification. records for the sanctuary, CAMP Report it is considered The records of three these are; Termite Hill Gecko as Endangered (B1, 2c) unidentified lizard’ species Hemidactylus triedrus, species (Molur & Walker from the area in this study Rock Agama Psammophilus 1998). Earlier the species not only shows an urgent
13 REPTILE RAP #11, January 2011 Table 2. List of Reptiles recorded in and around Shoolpaneshwar need for a systematic survey Wildlife Sanctuary on the reptilian fauna but a need for the assessment of Common name Scientific name Status actual diversity of amphibians Crocodylidae and reptiles inhabiting the Un 1 Mugger Crocodile Crocodylus palustris Aquatic common* area. It also emphasizes the Trionychidae scientific approach towards 2 Indian Softshell Turtle Aspideretes gangeticus Aquatic Common* the collection of specimens 3 Indian Flapshell Turtle Lissemys punctata Aquatic Common* for further detailed study Gekkonidae on molecular systematics, 4 Brook’s House Gecko Hemidactylus brookii Terrestrial Abundant including tissues and DNA Yellow-green House fingerprints. 5 Hemidactylus flaviviridis Terrestrial Gecko This result shows the 6 Bark Gecko Hemidactylus leschenaultii Arboreal Abundant availability of various and 7 Termite Gecko Hemidactylus triedrus Terrestrial Rare? complex habitat structures 8 Unidentified Gecko Hemidactylus sp. Terrestrial Rare? in the sanctuary. Presence Agamidae of such types of habitats 9 Indian Garden Lizard Calotes versicolor Arboreal Common shows all the possibilities of 10 Fan-throated Lizard Sitana ponticeriana Terrestrial Abundant habitation of higher numbers Psammophilus Arbo- 11 Rock Agama Abundant of snakes and lizards blanfordanus terrestrial species. Chemaleonidae Un 12 Indian Chameleon Chamaeleo zeylanicus Arboreal References Common Scincidae Burton, R.W. (1941). On the 13 Lined Supple Skink Lygosoma lineata Fossorial Rare banks of the Narbada - Part I. 14 Spotted Supple Skink Lygosoma punctatus Terrestrial Common The Bombay Natural History 15 Allapalli Grass Skink Eutropis allapallensis Terrestrial Abundant Society 42(4): 757-765. 16 Keeled Grass Skink Eutropis carinata Terrestrial Common Champion, H.G. & S.K. Seth (1968). A Revised Survey of The 17 Bronze Grass Skink Eutropis macularius Terrestrial Abundant Forest Types of India. Manager 18 Unidentified Skink Eutropis sp. Terrestrial Rare of Publication, Government of Lacertidae India, New Delhi. 404pp. Llacerta Snake Eye 19 Ophisops sp. Terrestrial Common Naik, Y.M. & K.R. Vinod (1994). species Record of a rare skink Lygosoma Varanidae lineata (Gray) from Kevadia, 20 Bengal Monitor Varanus bengalensis Terrestrial Rare Gujarat. Journal of the Bombay Typhlopidae Natural History Society 91: 324- 325. 21 Brahminy Worm Snake Ramphotyphlops braminus Fossorial ND Naik, Y.M., K.R. Vinod & P.K. Boidae Pradeep (1993). Reptiles of 22 Common Sand Boa Gongylophis conica Fossorial Common Narmada Valley, Gujarat. Cobra 23 Red Sand Boa Eryx johnii Fossorial ND (11): 7-8. 24 Indian Rock Python Python molurus Arboreal ND Navoroji, R.K. (1985). Notes on some common breeding raptors Colubridae of the Rajpipla forest. Journal 25 Striped Keelback Amphiesma stolatum Terrestrial ND of the Bombay Natural History 26 Banded Racer Argyrogena fasciolatus Terrestrial ND Society 82: 278-308. 27 Forstein’s Cat Snake Boiga forsteni Arboreal ND Naoroji, R.K. & S.G. Monga 28 Indian Cat Snake Boiga trigonatus Arboreal Common (1983). Observation on the Bronzeback Tree Crested Serpent Eagle (S. cheela) 29 Dendrelaphis tristis Arboreal ND Snake in Rajpipla Forest, south Gujarat. 30 Indian Trinket Snake Coelognathus helena Terrestrial ND Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society 80: 273-285. 14 REPTILE RAP #11, January 2011 Vyas, R. (2007). Present Common name Scientific name Status conservation scenario of reptile 31 Common Wolf Snake Lycodon aulicus Terrestrial ND fauna in Gujarat State, India. Macropisthodon 32 Green Keelback Terrestrial ND The Indian Forester 133(10): plumbicolor 1381-1394. 33 Banded Kukri Snake Oligodon arnensis Terrestrial ND Vyas, R. (2008). Review of the 34 Streaked Kukri Snake Oligodon taeniolatus Terrestrial ND current diversity and richness 35 Rat Snake Ptyas mucosus Arboreal Common of amphibians of Gujarat, India. The Indian Forester 134(10): Keel-back Water 36 Xenochropis piscator Aquatic Common Snake 1381-1392. Vyas, R. (2009). Notes on the Elapidae distribution and natural history 37 Common Indian Krait Bungarus caeruleus Terrestrial Common of an endemic skink from India: 38 Spectacled Cobra Naja naja Terrestrial Common Lygosoma lineata (Gray, 1839). Viperidae Sauria 31(1): 45-50. 39 Indian Russell’s Viper Daboia russelii Terrestrial ND Indian Saw-scaled 40 Echis carinatus Terrestrial Common Acknowledgments Viper
* - Species in habiting Narmada River; ND - Not determined. I am heartily grateful to Mr. C.N. Pandey I.F.S., Director, and Mr. B.R. Raval, Deputy Director, Gujarat Ecological Education Research Sabnis, S.D. & J.V. Amin (1992). Vyas, R. (1991). Reptiles fauna (GEER) Foundation, Gandhinagar, Eco-environmental Studies of of Bharuch district, in Gujarat Gujarat State, for providing logistic Sardar Sarovar Environs. M.S. state Gazetteer Bharuch District, supports for the study. Thanks to University, Baroda, 388pp. 20-27pp. Thakkar, C.A. & R.C. Mr. S.M. Patel, Deputy Conservator Sharma, R.C. (1982). Taxonomic Trivedi (eds.), (In Gujarati). of Forests, Rajpipla, north Gujarat and ecological studies on the Vyas, R. (2000). First record for permission for fieldwork. reptiles of Gujarat. Records of Pasammophilus blandfordanus Without the extensive help from the Zoological Survey India 80: (Stoliczka, 1871) (Family: Range Forest Officers, especially 85-108. Agamidae) from Gujarat State. Mr. Solanki, Topiya, Tadavi and Smith, M.A. (1935). The Fauna Journal of the Bombay Natural Maharaja, I would not have been of British India, Including History Society 97(3): 432- 434. able to get accommodation at Ceylon and Burma. Reptilia and Vyas. R. (2004). First record forest rest houses of Dediya Pada, Amphibia. Vol. II. Sauria. Taylor of Mabuya allapallensis from Mojada, Sagai and Mal-Samot and and Francis, London. Gujarat State. Hamadryad help in ground level problems at the Smith, M.A. (1943). The Fauna of 28(1&2): 138-140. field. I am especially thankful to Mr. British India, Including Ceylon Vyas, R. (2006). Reptilian Irashad Theba, research assistant and Burma. Reptilia and diversity of Jambughoda Wildlife for accompanying me in the entire Amphibia. Vol. III. Serpentes. Sanctuary, Gujarat. Tigerpaper fieldwork, help in collection of data Taylor and Francis, London. 33(1): 20-23. and finalization and preparation of the report.
15 REPTILE RAP #11, January 2011 Rescue and rehabilitation of an Indian Mud carapace and the plastron Turtle Lissemys punctata poisoned with were softened and discoloured bleaching powder (Image 1). Burns, blisters (Images 2, 3, 4) and Indramani Nath 1, Subharaj Samantara 2, Chinmaya congestion marks (Image 5) 2 2 Bhuyan and Siddharth Ranabijuli were observed on the entire
1,2 Department of Veterinary Surgery & Radiology, Orissa College of Veterinary body. Decreased sensation Science & Animal Husbandry, O.U.A.T., Bhubaneswar, Orissa 751003, India was felt on the scute. The 1 Email: [email protected] mucous membrane of the eye, mouth and cloaca were In India it is a traditional especially to aquatic animals congested. The temperature practice to keep turtles like the turtle. The present was 210C and respiration rate in drinking water wells to paper describes the successful was 2/min. The body weight eat organisms harmful to treatment and rehabilitation was measured to be 2.5kg. human beings and make the of an Indian Mud Turtle Further investigation revealed water safe for drinking. Also (Lissemys punctata) poisoned that the well had been the most commonly used with bleaching powder. chlorinated with bleaching disinfectant for purification of A turtle in recumbent powder (33% available water in India is chlorine in condition was presented to chlorine) the previous the form of bleaching powder the Surgery Department of morning. The turtle showed as it is cheap and has strong Orissa Veterinary College normal skeletal architecture oxidizing properties (Arceivala by an animal lover. History under IITV (Image intensifier & Asolekar 2007). In rural revealed that the turtle had TV) examination (Image 6). areas bleaching powder is been rescued by him from a The turtle was immediately used as a disinfectant without local fisherman the previous transferred to a normal saline measuring the actual chlorine night and kept in his house solution. Resuscitation was requirement of the water. well. The next morning he tried by pumping its hind limbs The general rule is to add observed that the turtle was in and out keeping it lying on its enough bleaching powder so floating on the surface of the plastron with its head pointed as to give the water a distinct water without showing any slightly downward. The legs odour and taste of chlorine. movement. were used to push against the This sometimes leaves a high On physical examination lungs to expel the poisonous amount of residual chlorine of the turtle it was observed water from the lungs and to and creates health hazards that the skin, the scute, the assist in respiration. Injection
Image 1. Softening and discolouration of the anterior, Image 2. Blisters and Congestion marks on the right posterior and lateral carapace forelimb and neck 16 REPTILE RAP #11, January 2011 dexamethasone 0.1ml pure pond water. and Injection Neohepatex Initially the turtle was (Biologicals E. Limited, motionless but after 24 Azamabad, Hyderabad, A.P., hours of treatment the turtle India) 0.1ml were given showed movement of its intramuscularly. Capsule limbs (Image 7). On the 7th Santevini – ACE (Beta day the turtle showed normal carotene, Vitamin – A, C and behaviour and movement E , Selenium and L-Arginine, with raising of its head (Image Image 3. Blisters and softening of Novartis India Limited, 8). The carapace (Image the carapace Maharastra, India) one tenth 9) and plastron (Image 10) part of Ceff (Cefalexin, Lupin were hardened leaving only Ltd., Kaliana, Santacruz(E), a central softened portion. Mumbai) 125mg tablet Then it was released in the and Silymarin 15mg were pond water in its natural administered orally. Evion habitat. cream (Tocopherol acetate, Propylene glycol, liquid Discussion and paraffin, Merck Limited, Conclusions: Usgaon, Ponda, Goa, India) Normal saline was was applied topically on local preferred in order to avoid Image 4. Blisters and softening of burns and blisters. The turtle any chances of osmosis or the limb was kept in normal saline reverse osmosis. Chlorine for two hours. Then it was is a respiratory irritant. In kept in 5% dextrose normal concentrations around 1-3 ppm saline for a period of two it causes eye and respiratory hours. Then again it was tract irritation resulting in transferred to normal saline. breathing difficulties as This procedure was repeated chlorine combines with the for 24 hours. In the mean moisture of the respiratory time the free residual chlorine tract mucosa and forms weak content of the well water was acids like hypochlorous acid measured and was found to (Chlorine: Effects on Health Image 5. Congested Plastron be 1mg/lit. Then from the and The Environment, 3rd second day onwards the water Edition, November 1999; was changed every 6hr and Gupta 2002). Injection gradually the proportion of dexamethasone was given to pond water was increased by counteract the shock (Sandhu 5% every 6hr till it was kept in & Rampal 2006). Injection pure pond water. The above Neohepatex was given medicaments were continued intramuscularly to enhance for a period of three days. the detoxifying action of the Then the injections were liver. Capsule Santevini – ACE discontinued but the others was given to counteract the were continued for the next oxidative actions of bleaching Image 6. Normal Skeletal architecture under IITV (C-ARM) four days. The turtle was powder and to assist in examination offered algae, small fishes, regeneration of mucous rice etc as feed. Finally after membrane. Silymarin was six days the turtle was kept in administered orally which
17 REPTILE RAP #11, January 2011 acts as an antioxidant and liver protectant. It was kept in 5% dextrose normal saline intermittently in order to provide nourishment. According to WHO for effective disinfection there should be a residual concentration of free chlorine 0.5mg/lit (Park 2005) after at least 30 min contact time at pH<8.0 (Guidelines Image 7. Movement of head and limbs after 24 hours post-treatment for drinking water quality, 3rd Image 10. Normal plastron at the Edition 2008). At the point time of release of consumption the minimum residual concentration of free chlorine should be 0.2mg/lit PDFs/ChlorineEffectsOnHealth. (IS:10500, 1992 and Manual pdf> Downloaded on 20 November 2009. on water supply & Treatment, Guidelines for drinking water rd 3 Edition, May 1999). But quality, 3rd Edition (2008). even after 30hr as the residual World Health Organization, concentration of the free Geneva. 18 REPTILE RAP #11, January 2011 Sighting of King Cobra Ophiophagus hannah species is not adverse to in Arunachal Pradesh, India: a new altitude surviving at higher altitudes record for northeastern India where prey availability and habitat are suitable. Harkirat Singh Sangha 1, Rishad Naoroji 2 & Manoj Sharma 3 Refrences 1 B-27, Gautam Marg, Hanuman Nagar, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302021, India 2 Godrej Bhavan, 5th Floor, 4A Home Street, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra Bashir, T., K. Poudyal, T. 400001, India Bhattacharya, S. Sathyakumar 3 Village Shankarpur, Ramnagar, Nainital District, Uttarakhand & J.B. Subba (2010). Sighting Email: 1 [email protected], 2 [email protected], 3 [email protected] of King Cobra Ophiophagus hannah in Sikkim, India: a new altitude record for the northeast. Journal of Threatened Taxa 2(6): The King Cobra Musoori Hills (Waltner 1975). 990-991. Ophiophagus hannah the Smith (1943) mentions Daniel, J.C. (2002). The Book of world’s largest venomous its occurrence at altitudes Indian Reptiles and Amphibians. Bombay Natural History Society snake, though not a common around 1800m in the Nilgiris and Oxford University Press, snake, has a wide distribution and western Himalaya. A viii+238pp. (David & Vogel 1966). It nest was recently located Das, A., M.V. Nair, M.F. Ahmed inhabits dense jungle in near Talla Ramgarh, Nainital & P.K. Sharma (2008). peninsular and northern District at an altitude of Distribution of King Cobra India. Its range extends approximately 1398m and Ophiophagus hannah in northeastern India with new throughout the Western on two separate occasions altitudinal records and notes on Ghats within the states of King Cobra was sighted at its habitat. Tiger Paper 35(4): Karnataka, Goa, Kerala and 1740m near Bhowali, Nainital 1-6. Tamil Nadu; throughout the District in the Kumaon Hills David, P. & G. Vogel (1996). The Terai and Bhabar tracts and (Rasaily et al. 2008). There Snakes of Sumatra: An Annotated lower foothills of Uttarakhand, is a recent record of the Checklist and Key with Natural History Notes. Edition Chimaira, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West species at an altitude 1700m Frankfurt-au-Main, Germany, Bengal and northeastern India from Konoma, Nagaland (Das 260pp. (including Arunachal Pradesh) et al. 2008). The highest Rasaily, S.S., M. Rai & M. and Andaman Islands. The known altitude record for Chandran (2008). First ever species exhibits a preference the species in northeastern sighting of King Cobra nest in for dense primary forests and India is 1840m from Yuksam, the Kumaon Hills of Uttarakhand. Indian Forester 134(10): 1405- mangrove dominant estuaries Sikkim (Bashir et al. 2010). 8. of Orissa and West Bengal. In October 2006, while Sleich, H. & W. Kästle (eds.) It is occasionally found in conducting bird surveys (2002). Amphibians and Reptiles large tracts of grassland throughout the West Kameng of Nepal. Gantner, A.R.G., V.G. surrounded by dense forest District in western Arunachal Verlag & Ruggell (distributed by (Smith 1943; Daniel 2002; Pradesh, a dead juvenile King Koeltz, Koenigstein, Germany), 1201pp, 127pls. (including 374 Whitaker & Captain 2004). Cobra c. 21cm in length was col. figs). In terms of altitudinal located on the forest track Smith, M.A. (1943). The Fauna distribution, the species is below Chandar towards the of British India, Including known to inhabit from 150 7km settlement in degraded Ceylon and Burma. Reptilia and to 1530 m in Nepal (Sleich forest at 2005m. Though the Amphibia. Vol. II. Sauria. Taylor & Kästle 2002), sea level to King Cobra’s range extends and Francis, London. Waltner, R.G. (1975). Geograhical 1800m in Sumatra (David & usually at lower altitudes, and altitudinal distribution of Vogel 1996) and has been it appears from the spate Amphibians and reptiles in the reported up to 2181m in of recent records that the Himalayas - Part IV. Cheetal 16: 19 REPTILE RAP #11, January 2011 Participate in the Status Assessments of Reptiles of the Western Ghats The Wildlife Information Liaison Development (WILD) Society / Zoo Outreach Organisation (ZOO) in collaboration with the IUCN Global Reptile Assessment (GRA) and the South Asian Reptile Network (SARN) is involved in the assessments of all described reptile species of the Western Ghats and peninsular India. The project is funded by the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) large grants programme. If you are any one of the following (herpetologist, academic, student, amateur, photographer, forester, educator, etc.) with information on reptiles in this region or in South Asia (of reptiles that occur in the Western Ghats), your inputs and participation are extremely important to get as accurate information as possible for their assessments. The information will be used to derive the status of each species according to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria, and will appear on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species web site. If you are interested in participating, kindly contact Dr. Sanjay Molur 12-17. Whitaker, R. & A. Captain (2004). Snakes of India, The Field Guide. Draco Books, Chennai, REPTILE RAP xiv+481pp. ISSN: 2230-7079 (online) Acknowledgements Number 11, January 2011 Editor: Sanjay Molur We thank Rumulus Whitaker and Editorial Advisor: Sally Walker Janaki Lenin for encouraging us to publish this note. SARN Co-chairs: Sanjay Molur & S. Bhupathy REPTILE RAP is the Newsletter of the South Asian Reptile Network (SARN). Reptile Rap is registered under REPTILE RAP is published by Zoo Outreach Organisation Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 and Conservation Breeding Specialist Group South Asia as a Unported License, which allows service to the South Asian reptile conservation community as unrestricted use of articles in any medium for non-profit purposes, well as conservation actioners and enthusiasts at large. reproduction and distribution by providing adequate credit to the South Asian Reptile Network authors and the source of publi- cation. c/o Zoo Outreach Organisation, 9-A, Lal Bahadur Colony, PB 1683, Peelamedu, Coimbatore, OPEN ACCESS | FREE DOWNLOAD Tamil Nadu 641004, India Ph: +91 422 2561743, 2561087; Fax: +91 422 2563269 REPTILE RAP is available Email: [email protected] online at www.zoosprint.org 20