Banded Krait, Scientific Name, Distribution, Habitat, Conservation, Latest News

Banded Krait Latest News

An Indian Forest Service officer has drawn widespread attention on social media after sharing a striking video of a highly venomous Banded Krait encountered during a night patrol.

About Banded Krait

• It is a highly venomous snake native to South and Southeast Asia.
• Scientific Name: Bungarus fasciatus
• Part of the elapid family, which includes cobras and mambas, the Banded Krait is easily recognizable by its vibrant yellow and black crossbands, giving it a distinctive appearance.
• Distribution: These snakes have been recorded eastwards from central India through Bangladesh, Myanmar, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and southern China (including Hong Kong) to Malaysia and the main Indonesian islands of Borneo (Java and Sumatra), as well as Singapore.

‹ ›

Banded Krait Habitat

• It primarily inhabits wetlands, forests, and areas near water bodies.
• They inhabit termite mounds and rodent holes close to water and often live near human settlements, especially villages, because of their supply of rodents and water.

Banded Krait Features

• It is a large snake, typically growing between 5 to 7 feet.
• It has a slender, cylindrical body with smooth scales. 
• The alternating bands of yellow and black encircle its body entirely, making it one of the most visually striking snakes in the region.
• The head is slightly broader than its neck, with a rounded snout and small eyes.
• Though its venom is highly potent, it is known to be shy and nonaggressive, often avoiding human contact unless provoked.
• Banded kraits are carnivores and feed mainly on other snakes.

Banded Krait Conservation Status

It is classified as ‘Least Concern’ under the IUCN Red List.

Source: HT