Indian Rat Snake

Indian Rat Snake Latest News

The State Board for Wildlife, which will meet next week, will consider a proposal for notifying the snake as the official reptile. 

About Indian Rat Snake

• It is a non-venomous commonly seen snake which is famous for its fast crawling speed and much larger size than most of the widely distributed species found in India. 
• It is also known as Manja Chera and Karinchera in Kerala.
• Rat Snakes are carnivorous; also consume the hatchlings of venomous and dangerous snakes, such as cobras.
• Behaviour: It is a diurnal species which shows both arboreal and terrestrial activity depending upon foraging and resting needs.
• Habitat: The snake is found in diverse habitats, including forests, forest clearings and edges, open tropical dry forests, savannas, scrublands, plantations, villages and cultivated areas.

Distribution of Indian Rat Snake

• India, throughout South and Southeast Asia, China, Pakistan, Turkmenistan
• The species is found in most parts of the country including Andaman Island.

Ecological Significance of Indian Rat Snake

• The species is commonly found in human habitations, plays a major role in controlling the rodent population that damages agricultural crops including grains and tubers in fields and farmlands that spread infectious diseases.
• Rat snakes, also known as friends of farmers, have great conservation value.

Conservation status of Indian Rat Snake

• IUCN: Least Concern  
• Wildlife (Protection) Act: Schedule One

Source:  TH

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