Green Keelback

Green Keelback Latest News

A snake, identified as ‘Green Keelback’, that is usually found in Central Asia, Sri Lanka and Eastern India, was recently found near Gangawadi village, on the fringes of Biligiri Rangana Betta (BR Hills), in Yelandur taluk, Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka.

About Green Keelback

• It is a non-venomous, semi-aquatic snake that is native to South and Southeast Asia.  
• Scientific Name: Macropisthodon plumbicolor

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Green Keelback Habitat and Distribution

• It is found in parts of South and Southeast Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, and parts of Indonesia. 
• It prefers wetlands, including ponds, rivers, streams, rice fields, and marshy areas. 
• It is often found in areas with abundant vegetation where it can hide and hunt in the water and on land. 

Green Keelback Features

• Size: Green Keelbacks are medium-sized snakes, typically ranging between 60 cm to 1 meter in length, though some individuals can reach up to 1.2 meters.
• Coloration: Their bodies are typically green, ranging from light to darker shades, often with lighter yellowish or white underbellies. 
• Some may have faint dark markings along the back and sides, though their overall appearance remains quite smooth.
• Keels: The term “keelback” comes from the pronounced ridges or “keels” along the scales of their bodies. These keels provide texture and grip, assisting the snake in climbing and swimming.
• Head: The head is moderately triangular but distinct from the body, with large, round eyes that are set on the sides of the head. Its large eyes help it navigate in both water and dense vegetation.
• Tail: The tail is slender and helps with swimming, acting as a rudder to guide the snake through water.

Green Keelback Conservation Status

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

News: DH