Red Sand Boa

About Red Sand Boa: 

• Red Sand Boa (Eryx johnii) is a species in the subfamily Erycinae of the family Boidae.
• It is commonly called the Indian Sand Boa, is a non-venomous species found throughout the dry parts of the Indian subcontinent.
• It is ovoviviparous and nocturnal and spends the majority of its time under the ground.
• Distribution: The species is endemic to Iran, Pakistan, and India. 
• Appearance:
  • It is a primarily reddish-brown and thick-set snake that grows to an average length of 75 cm.
  • Unlike most snakes, the tail is almost as thick as the body and gives the reptile the appearance of being “double-headed”.
• Ecologically importance
  • Like other snake species, the Red Sand Boa also plays a significant role in the ecosystem by maintaining a healthy population between prey and predator.
  • It feeds on rodents, lizards, and even other snakes. 
• Conservation Status
  • IUCN: Near Threatened
  • Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule IV
  • CITES: Appendix II

Q1) What  are Ovoviviparous ?

Ovoviviparous animals produce eggs, but instead of laying the eggs, the eggs develop within the mother’s body and are born alive.

Source: 172 incidents of seizures of red sand boa recorded from 2016 to 2021: WCS-India report

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