Information about some rear snakes of India.

Rare Snakes of India: An Insight into the Fascinating Reptiles

India is home to a rich and diverse range of wildlife, with its varied climates and ecosystems supporting numerous species of snakes. While many of these snakes are common and frequently encountered, India is also home to several rare and lesser-known species that are not as widely recognized. 

1. The King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah)

One of the most iconic and rare snakes in India is the King Cobra, the world’s longest venomous snake. Native to the forests of the Western Ghats, the Himalayan foothills, and other parts of South Asia, the King Cobra can grow up to 18 feet long.

The King Cobra is a skilled hunter, primarily preying on other snakes, including cobras and kraits. Despite its fearsome reputation, the King Cobra is not aggressive towards humans unless provoked. Due to habitat loss and human-wildlife read more

2. The Green Vine Snake (Ahaetulla nasuta)

The Green Vine Snake, also known as the Asian Vine Snake, is a slender, green snake found in the forests and grasslands of India, particularly in the Western Ghats and parts of the Northeast. It is non-venomous and often mistaken for a dangerous species because of its striking appearance. The Green Vine Snake is arboreal, living in the trees and hunting small lizards and birds.

Despite being widespread, the Green Vine Snake is considered rare in some areas due to its highly specialized habitat. Conservation efforts are important to maintain its read more     

3. The Red Sand Boa (Eryx johnii)

The Red Sand Boa is a relatively rare and cryptic species of snake found in the arid and semi-arid regions of India, particularly in Rajasthan, Gujarat, and parts of Maharashtra. Known for its distinct reddish-brown body and stout build, the Red Sand Boa is a burrowing snake,

Although not venomous, this snake is often captured and sold illegally due to its supposed mystical and healing properties in certain parts of India. This has led to a decline in their numbers, and the Red Sand Boa is read more

4. The Black Krait (Bungarus niger)

The Black Krait is a rare, venomous snake that inhabits parts of the Northeast, including Assam, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh. This species is typically nocturnal and prefers dense forested areas, making it difficult to spot in the wild. Its venom is highly toxic and primarily targets the nervous system,

Due to its elusive nature and declining habitat, the Black Krait is rarely seen, and conservation efforts are necessary to protect it from further read more

5. The Himalayan Pit Viper (Gloydius himalayanus)

Found in the mountainous regions of the Himalayas, the Himalayan Pit Viper is a rare and enigmatic snake. It is a venomous species known for its cryptic behavior, often blending into its rocky surroundings. This viper can be found at altitudes of 1,500 to 4,500 meters, making it one of the higher-altitude snake species in India.

The venom of the Himalayan Pit Viper is potent but not typically fatal to humans. However, due to its remote habitat and limited population, this species remains rare and read more

6. The Ornate Flying Snake (Chrysopelea ornata)

The Ornate Flying Snake is an exceptional species capable of gliding from tree to tree. Found in the forests of South India, particularly in the Western Ghats, this snake has an unusual ability to flatten its body and glide through the air, making it one of the most fascinating snakes in India. It primarily feeds on small vertebrates and insects.

Though the Ornate Flying Snake is not venomous and is not a threat to humans, its specialized mode of locomotion and habitat preferences make it rare and difficult to read more

7. The Malabar Pit Viper (Trimeresurus malabaricus)

Native to the Western Ghats of India, the Malabar Pit Viper is a venomous snake that inhabits the dense forests of the region. Known for its greenish color and triangular head, the Malabar Pit Viper is not aggressive unless threatened. Its venom is capable of causing severe tissue damage, and while bites are rare,

Due to habitat destruction and human encroachment, the Malabar Pit Viper’s numbers have been dwindling. As such, it is considered rare and is now a subject of conservation efforts read more

Conclusion

India is home to a stunning diversity of snakes, many of which remain poorly understood. While some of these rare snakes pose little threat to humans, others play crucial roles in maintaining the balance of their ecosystems. However, the survival of these fascinating reptiles is increasingly threatened by habitat destruction, poaching, and climate change.