RED
SAND BOA - ENVIRONMENT
News:
172 incidents of seizures
of red sand boa recorded from 2016 to 2021: WCS-India report
What's
in the news?
●
A report by the Wildlife Conservation
Society (WCS)-India has pointed out 172 incidents of seizures of red sand boa
(Eryx johnii) between the years 2016-2021.
Key
takeaways:
●
The report, compiled by the Counter
Wildlife Trafficking unit of WCS-India, and titled ‘Illegal Trade of Red Sand Boa in India 2016-2021' collates
information from media reports on the seizures.
●
Red
sand boa is now acknowledged as one of the most traded reptile species in the
illegal trade market due to its demand in the pet trade, as well as for use in
black magic.
●
Around 172 incidents of illegal red sand
boa trade were reported between the years 2016-2021.
●
The highest number was recorded in Maharashtra often from urban areas.
●
The report also highlights the role of
social media in the illegal trade of the species. For instance, YouTube serves
as a buyer-seller-interface for red sand boas in India, and sometimes acts as a
gateway to facilitate trade via WhatsApp.
Red
Sand Boa:
●
Red Sand Boa commonly called the Indian
Sand Boa is a non-venomous snake
found throughout the dry parts of
the Indian subcontinent.
Morphology:
●
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”.
Features:
●
Largest of the sand boas in the world.
●
Non-venomous.
●
Nocturnal
and spends the majority of its time under the ground.
Significance:
●
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