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Source: The post is based on the article “WCS-India report flags illegal trade of red sand boa” published in The Hindu on 31st August 2023
What is the News?
Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)-India has released a report titled ‘Illegal Trade of Red Sand Boa in India 2016-2021’.
What is Red Sand Boa?
Source: TOI
Red Sand Boa commonly called the Indian Sand Boa is a non-venomous snake found throughout the dry parts of the Indian subcontinent.
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”.
Important Facts about Red Sand Boa: 1) Largest of the sand boas in the world 2) Non-venomous and 3) Nocturnal and spends the majority of its time under the ground.
Ecologically important: 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.
IUCN: Near Threatened
Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule IV
CITES: Appendix II
What does the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)-India report say on Red Sand Boa?
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.
