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News: A new study reports the first confirmed record in India of the Sistan sand boa (Eryx sistanensis) in the northern Thar Desert in Rajasthan.
About Sistan Sand Boa (Eryx sistanensis)
- The Sistan Sand Boa is a rare, non-venomous snake.
- Scientific name: Its scientific name is Eryx sistanensis.
- It was first identified in Iran in 2020.
- It has been found for the first time in India, in the northern Thar Desert in Rajasthan.
- Other sand boa species found in India: Other species of sand boa found in India are red sand boa (Eryx johnii), rough-scaled sand boa (Eryx conicus) and Whitaker’s boa (Eryx whitakeri).
- Habitat: It is mostly found in farmlands, scrubland and compact sandy soils close to human habitation, including courtyards, cowsheds and suburban gardens.
- Distinct features: It can be identified by its persistent dark bands and a tail that gradually tapers to the tip.
- Unlike the red sand boa, which loses its body bands as it matures, the Sistan sand boa retains its sooty bands throughout its life.
- Juveniles are buff-coloured, while subadults and adults are tan to tan-brown.
- Behaviour: It has a docile nature and tolerance to temperature variation.
- Threats: It may face the threat of illegal wildlife trade.
- Habitat loss: Rescue from snake charmers and releasing them into the wild can create ecological problems if snakes are released far from their native range.
- Conservation status: The species has not yet been evaluated by the IUCN.
- It is currently listed under Schedule II of India’s Wildlife Protection Act.
