Sistan Sand Boa (Eryx sistanensis)

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.