A Study on snakes from Mokhada and Jawhar (Dist. Palghar) Maharashtra, India

Abstract

Snakes are well adapted to their habitat's. Depending on their habitat they may be aquatic snakes, burrowing and arboreal snakes, Snakes found in different size, shape and color due to their mode of life. Snakes occupy a wide range of habitats which includes fields, forests, wetland, ponds, lakes, streams, rocky hillsides, farmland, vacant plots and residential areas also. The Mokhada region is having a large number of snakes. A checklist of snakes is prepared on the basis of the information collected from the survey during August 2015 to April 2016.The captured snakes represent 31 types of species under 7 families. In these families 12 were venomous snakes, 19 non-venomous snakes. The present study is an attempt to evaluate the information, occurrence, abundance &species richness and further assist in the knowledge, awareness and conservation of snake fauna in this region. So this study may play helpful role in conversation of the biodiversity.

Full text

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International Journal of Fauna and Biological Studies 2016; 3(5): 103-115
ISSN 2347-2677
IJFBS 2016; 3(5): 103-115
Received: 19-07-2016
Accepted: 20-08-2016
SA Bansode
Department of Zoology,
Government College of Arts and
Science, Aurangabad,
Maharashtra, India
VR More
Department of Zoology,
Government College of Arts and
Science, Aurangabad,
Maharashtra, India
KA Mirza
Department of Zoology,
G.M. Momin Women's College,
Bhiwandi, Thane, Maharashtra,
India
Correspondence
SA Bansode
Department of Zoology,
Government College of Arts and
Science, Aurangabad,
Maharashtra, India
A Study on snakes from Mokhada and Jawhar (Dist.
Palghar) Maharashtra, India
SA Bansode, VR More and KA Mirza
Abstract
Snakes are well adapted to their habitat’s. Depending on their habitat they may be aquatic snakes,
burrowing and arboreal snakes, Snakes found in different size, shape and color due to their mode of life.
Snakes occupy a wide range of habitats which includes fields, forests, wetland, ponds, lakes, streams,
rocky hillsides, farmland, vacant plots and residential areas also.
The Mokhada region is having a large number of snakes. A checklist of snakes is prepared on the basis of
the information collected from the survey during August 2015 to April 2016.The captured snakes
represent 31 types of species under 7 families. In these families 12 were venomous snakes, 19 non-
venomous snakes.
The present study is an attempt to evaluate the information, occurrence, abundance &species richness and
further assist in the knowledge, awareness and conservation of snake fauna in this region. So this study
may play helpful role in conversation of the biodiversity.
Keywords: Biodiversity, Uropeltidae, Lamprophiidae, Elapidae, Viperidae, Venomous, endangered,
Swampy
Introduction
The term “Biodiversity” refers to the variety of all forms of life present on the earth, including
the different types of plants, various micro-organism and the genes they contain and the
ecosystem they form. The biodiversity refers to the different genera and different species of an
organisms present in that particular area. The degree of species diversity varies from one
ecosystem to another ecosystem. India is very rich country in terms diversity of the flora and
fauna present in the natural ecosystem.
The loss of diversity is causing major concern worldwide, the biological wealth of our planet
has been declining rapidly and the accusing finger is clearly pointing to human activities.
Because due various activities oh human biodiversity is in danger and losing its values. The
accelerated rates of species extinctions that the world is facing now are largely due to different
activities of humans. To appreciate the endemic and endangered species of India it is very
important to understand and know the wide variety of plants and animal’s species that are
found in the whole country.
Snakes are the members of the class Reptilia commonly they are known as reptiles. All over
the world, near about 3783 types of snake species are found out of which 297 species of
snakes are found only in the India. The snakes found in India show great diversity and their
length varies from 6mm to 10m, while weight ranges between few grams to several kilograms.
These remarkable reptiles can live in every biogeographic region of the world, at an altitude
higher than 5000m and also survive in deep waters. Snakes occupied deserts, forests, marshy,
swampy places, lakes, streams and rivers of different terrains. (Dhamnankar Atul 2006). The
present study is an attempt to evaluate the information about different types of snake species
their occurrence, abundance and species richness and further assist in the knowledge,
awareness and conservation of snake fauna in this region since there is acute paucity of
established work and data on this subject till date.
Importance of study of Biodiversity
Every form of the life existing on the earth is very unique and warrants respect regardless of its
worth to human beings, this is the ecosystems right of an organism. Every organism has an
inherent right to exist regardless of whether it is valuable to human beings or not. It has right
to survive in its environment.

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International Journal of Fauna and Biological Studies
Study of biodiversity is very important for conservation and
protection of the different species of plants and animals on the
earth. No work has been done in this area regarding
biodiversity, so it may be very useful in conservation and
protection of snakes.
Importance of Snakes
Snakes are very important creatures in the nature because as
predators they feed on many harmful bugs and insects those
may cause damage to us. Snakes are important to farmers
because they eat mice, rats, and all other small mammals
those may destroy crops. Snake venom is very important in
synthesizing various drugs. Snakes control rodent
populations. Snakes play very important role in the food web.
Many snakes are medically important. So snakes are
important in the nature. Their absence or removal may
directly effect on the balance of the ecosystem.
History of Mokhada
Mokhada is a very tribal dominated block in Palghar district.
It is situated in the north-eastern corner of the district. Its
eastern boundary touches Nashik district and northern
boundary touches Gujarat state.
Geography
This area is hilly, with undulating slopes. The area is covered
with forests. Two major rivers Waal and Wagh flow through
this region. The rivers are flooded during monsoon season,
but significantly dry up during dry months. The area receives
very heavy rainfall which is between 2500 and 3500mm per
annum.
History of Jawhar
Jawhar is located at 19.92°N 73.23°E. It has an average
elevation of 447 meters (1466 feet). Jawahar is a hill station
located at an altitude of 518 m.It is about 80 km from Nashik
and 145 km away from Mumbai. It is situated in newly
formed Palghar district. Jawahar is known for its picturesque
setting and a vibrant cultural heritage. It is also known as the
“Mahabalewshar” of Palghar district. It is one of the very few
tribal regions of Maharashtra and is famous for its Warli
paintings that are a characteristic landmark of this place.
Fig 1: Map of Palghar district showing Mokhada and Jawhar
Materials and methods
A well-trained snake catcher had captured the snakes that
have been sighted during visits or randomly or on request of
local people, when snakes were observed in their houses or in
and around their areas. After catching the snakes their
characteristics, predominant features were noted,
photographed and identified as per Deoras (1970), Romulus
Whitaker and Khaire (1977). Subsequently the captured
snakes were released into the forest area.
Snake catcher had captured all the poisonous, non-poisonous
snakes on the request of telephonic calls from the houses of
people throughout the year. The snakes were handled very
carefully and all possible precautions were taken not to
disturb or injure them. After study snakes were released safely
in the forests without any harm to them.
The correct identification of reptiles was done by referring
various books viz. The book of Indian reptiles (J.C. Daniel,
2002) [4], A guide to Snakes of Maharashtra, Goa and
Karnataka (Neelimkumar Khaire, 2006) and Snakes of India:
The field Guide (Romulus Whitaker, 2006) [35].
Ethical issues followed during the study
Snakes are abundant in these areas. Snake catchier had
captured all the snakes on the request of telephone call from
the houses of people throughout the year. the snakes were
handled very carefully without giving any injury to them.
After study all captured snakes were released in the forest von
that day itself.
The snakes were released in a safe area in order to minimize
their rescue from the nearby village peoples. All the caught
snakes were released on that day itself in the forest without
any harm to them.
Table 1: List of snakes in Mokhada and Jwahar:
Mokhada-Jawahar region shows the presence of 30 species of
snakes belonging to 07 families. 19 snakes were non-
venomous and 11 venomous snakes were identified during the
study. Venomous snakes are shown by (English alphabet V).
Non-venomous are shown by (English alphabet NV). List of
the snakes with their vernacular names and scientific names is
given in the following table.

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International Journal of Fauna and Biological Studies
Sr No.
Common Name
Vernacular Name
Scientific Name
Family
Non-Venomous Snakes (NV)
1
Indian Rock Python
Ajgar
Python molurus molurus
Boidae
2
Banded Racer
Patteri Dhulnagin
Argyrogena fasciolata
Colubridae
3
Gunther’s Racer
Chitrang Naykul
Coluber gracilis
Colubridae
4
Common Indian Trinket Snake
Taskar
Coelognathus helena helena
Colubridae
5
Montain Trinket snake
Pahadi taskar
Coelognathus helena monticollaris
Colubridae
6
Indian Rat Snake
Dhaman
Ptyas mucosa
Colubridae
7
Checkered Keelback Water Snake
Divad
Xenochrophis piscator
Colubridae
8
Buff-Striped Keelback
Naneta
Amphiesma stolatum
Colibridae
9
Green keelback
Gwatya
Macropisthodon plumbicolor
Colubridae
10
Banded Kukari Snake
Kukari saap
Oligodon arnensis
Colubridae
11
Bronzeback tree snake
Ruka sarp
Dendrelaphis tristis
Colubridae
12
Common Wolf Snake
kavdya
Lycodon aulicus
Colubridae
13
Dumerils Black Headed
Kaaltondya
Sibynophis subpunctatus
Colubridae
14
Brahminy Worm snake
Wala
Ramphotyphlops braminus
Typhlopidae
15
Beaked worm snake
Chanchu wala
Grypotyphlops acutus
Typhlopidae
16
Common Sand Boa
Dhurkya ghonus
Gongylophis conicus
Boidae
17
John’s Sand Boa
Mandul
Eryx johnii
Boidae
18
Mahabaleshwar shield tail
Mahabaleshwari khaparkhawlya
Uropeltis macrolepis mahableshwarensis
Uropeltidae
19
Bombay Shield tail
Khaparkhawlya
Uropeltis macrolepis macrolepis
Uropeltidae
Venomous Snakes(V)
20
Common Indian Cat Snake
Manjrya saap
Boiga trigonata
Colubridae
21
Common Vine Snake
Harantol
Ahaetulla nasuta
Colubridae
22
Brown vine snake
Harantol
Ahaetulla pulverulenta
Colubridae
23
Ceylon Cat Snake
Ceylon manjrya saap
Boiga ceylonensis
Colubridae
24
Forsten’s Cat Snake
Forsten’s manjrya saap
Boiga forsteni
Colubridae
25
Stout Sand Snake
Jaad Reti saap
Psammophis longifrons
Lamprophiidae
26
Common Indian Krait
Manyar
Bungarus caeruleus
Elapidae
27
Slender coral Snake
Powala
Calliophis melanurus
Elapidae
28
Spectacled Cobra
Naag
Najanaja
Elapidae
29
Russel’s Viper
Ghonus
Daboia russelli
Viperidae
30
Saw Scaled Viper
Fursa
Echis carinatus
Viperidae
31
Bamboo Pit Viper
Chapada
Trimeresurus gramineus
Viperidae
Result
During the study period near about 400 snakes were captured.
The captured snakes were classified under 07 families namely
Uropeltidae, Lamprophiidae, Elapidae, Viperidae,
Typhlopidae Colubridae, Boidae and Pythonidae represents
31 types of species. 12venomous snakes, 19 non venomous
and were reported.
1. Indian Rock Python (Python molurus molurus) (NV)
Table 2: Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Subphylum
Vertebrata
Class
Reptilia
Order
Squamata
Sub-order
Serpentes
Family
Boidae
Genus
Python molurus
Distinctive character
1. It is heavily bodied, smooth scaled snake with a lance
shaped head and short tail.
2. The bright, blotches pattern may be yellowish to dark
brown.
3. The underside is whitish. Yellowish or light orange.
4. These snakes are equipped with heat sensors, small slits
near the nostrils.
5. These are largest non-poisonous snakes.
6. Head is with incomplete arrow-shaped mark.
7. Labial pits on lip scale are thermoreceptors and help
snake locate warm-blooded prey.
Distribution: All over India.
Habitat/Habits
1. It lives in rocky areas near water bodies.
2. Feeds mainly on small mammals.
3. It excretes undigested Parts of the prey body like horns,
hooves, teeth, hair and beak.
Fig 2: Python molurus
2. Banded racer (Patteri Dhulnagin): (Argyrogena
fasciolata) (NV)
Table 3: Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Subphylum
Vertebrata
Class
Reptilia
Order
Squamata
Sub-order
Serpentes
Family
Colubridae
Genus
Argyrogena fasciolata
Distinctive character
1. It is light or dark brown, younger ones have white cross
bands, regularly placed.
2. The head is little wider than neck. The nose slightly
pointed.
3. The scales are smooth but not glossy.

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International Journal of Fauna and Biological Studies
4. The underside is white or yellowish.
5. Adults entirely light or dark brown. Juveniles have white
regularly spaced bands. These bands disappear as the
snake grow.
Distribution: All over India.
Habitat/Habits
1. It is a fast moving snake, lives in bushes, grasslands, rat
holes and stone crevices.
2. Flattens body when alarmed causing it to be mistaken for
a cobra.
3. Feeds on rats. Constricts prey before swallowing.
Fig 3: Argyrogena fasciolata
4. Gunther’s racer (Chitrang Naykul): (Coluber gracilis)
(NV)
Table 4: Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Subphylum
Vertebrata
Class
Reptilia
Order
Squamata
Sub-order
Serpentes
Family
Colubridae
Genus
Coluber gracilis
Distinctive character
1. It is light greyish brown above with narrow white black
edge, cross bar which expands on the outer sides of the
body and tail.
2. A bar across the snout in front of the eye and forward
forming V shaped marks on the top of the head.
3. Lower parts whitish or yellowish, the outer margins of
the ventral are with black spots.
4. A black –edged yellow inverted ‘V’ mark on the head.
Distribution – Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh.
Habitat/Habits
1. It lives under dried leaves or stones.
2. Feeds on geckos and skinks in captivity.
3. Found in diverse dry lowland habitats, valleys, rubble
slopes, rocky slopes with bushes.
Fig 4: Coluber gracilis
4. Common Indian trinket: (Coelognathus helena helena)
(NV) Table 5: Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Subphylum
Vertebrata
Class
Reptilia
Order
Squamata
Sub-order
Serpentes
Family
Colubridae
Genus
Coelognathus helena helena
Distinctive Character
1. It is tan and chocolate brown with two prominent dark
stripes on the later part of the body and light band light
band checks on the fore part.
2. Two short and dark lines on the either side of the neck
may join medially to form and inverted V.
3. Underside is pearly white.
4. The scales are smooth and glossy.
Distribution: All over India
Habitat/Habits
1. It is a terrestrial snake that climbs trees in search of prey.
2. Feeds mainly on rats, lizards and small birds.
3. It raises head when disturbed and strikes with its mouth
wide open.
4. Maximium length 168 cm.
Fig 5: Elaphe Helena
5. Indian rat snake (Dhaman) (Ptyas mucosa) (NV)
Table 6: Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Subphylum
Vertebrata
Class
Reptilia
Order
Squamata
Sub-order
Serpentes
Family
Colubridae
Genus
Ptyas mucosa
Distinctive character
1. Rat snake may be light yellow (on the planes) to jet black
in the hills and many shades of green, olive or brown in
between.
2. The underside often has cross bars that are quite
prominent.
3. Lower lip often has clack horizontal lines.
4. The body is uniformly color but the skin bears inter scale
markings which show up when the snake puffs itself up
in defense.
5. Eyes are large.
6. Tail forms more than one third of the body and contain a
length of 2.5 meters.

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International Journal of Fauna and Biological Studies
Distribution: All over India.
Habitat/Habits:
1. It is commonly seen around agricultural field.
2. Climbs tree and swims well.
3. It feed mainly on rats, so called as rat snake. Also feeds
on toads, frogs, lizards, geckos, small birds and bats.
Fig 6: Ptyas mucosa
6. Checkered Keelback water snake (Divad) (Xenochropis
piscator) (NV)
Table 7: Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Subphylum
Vertebrata
Class
Reptilia
Order
Squamata
Sub-order
Serpentes
Family
Colubridae
Genus
Xenochropis piscator
Distinctive character
1. Vary in color from black with light markings to bright
yellow color with the characteristics black and white
Checkered pattern.
2. The one or two black eye streaks are distinctive and head
is obtusely pointed and distinct from neck.
3. Underside is usually shiny and pure white.
4. Nostrils are placed high on the snout which facilitate
respiration in water.
Distribution: All over India.
Habitat/Habits
1. It is found in rivers, ponds, lakes hunting for fish in
shallow waters.
2. It mainly feed on fish and frogs.
3. Maximum length is 175 cm.
Fig 7: Xenochropis piscator
7. Buff-Striped Keelback (Naneta) (Amphiesma stolatum)
(NV)
Table 8: Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Subphylum
Vertebrata
Class
Reptilia
Order
Squamata
Sub-order
Serpentes
Family
Colubridae
Genus
Amphiesma stolatum
Distinctive character
1. It is closely resembled the water snake.
2. The overall color is light or dark brown with two tan or
yellow stripes running down the body length, these
stripes are especially bright on the last half of the body.
3. The head is light brown, and the sides of the head, lip
area and chin are white or yellow.
4. Two black lines behind the eyes.
Distribution: All over India.
Habitat/Habits
1. It found near water bodies in marshy areas and paddy
field.
2. It is called as a shy snake.
3. Spreads its body to display blue or red colour between
scales when scared.
4. It feed on frogs and toads.
Fig 8: Amphiesma stolata
8. Banded kukari snake (Kukari saap) (Oligodon
arnensis) (NV)
Table 9: Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Subphylum
Vertebrata
Class
Reptilia
Order
Squamata
Sub-order
Serpentes
Family
Colubridae
Genus
Oligodon arnensis
Distinctive character
1. Banded Kukaris are reddish or greyish brown with 10-20
black or dark brown bands.
2. The top of the head has a distinct chevron or arrow head
design.
3. The underside is white.
4. The scales smooth and glossy, head thin with a blunt tip,
eyes round pupiled.
5. Kukari snakes get their name from their sharp, curved
teeth, perfect for holding strong prey such as geckos.
Distribution: All over India.
Habitat/Habits:
1. It found in anthills, crevices in rocks, tree hollows. old
houses.
2. It feeds on reptile eggs, geckos, skinks and mice.
3. Maximun length is 70 cm.
4. It constricts prey with 2-3 coils before they swallow it.

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International Journal of Fauna and Biological Studies
Fig 9: Oligodon arnensis
9. Bronze back tree snake (Ruka sarp) (Dendrelaphis
tristis) (NV)
Table 10: Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Subphylum
Vertebrata
Class
Reptilia
Order
Squamata
Sub-order
Serpentes
Family
Colubridae
Genus
Dendrelaphis tristis
Distinctive character
1. It is longer and slender with flat heads and large eyes.
2. The sides are dark brown or black with wide light bronze
stripes down the Centre of the back. 3. The underside is
whitish, grey or light green.
3. The outer edges of the belly scales are notched, forming a
fold on either side of the body which serves the snakes
when it is climbing.
Distribution: All over India.
Habitat/Habits
1. It mostly found in deciduous forests, dry scrub forests, often
seen on babool trees.
2. It feeds on tree frogs, lizards, geckos and small birds.
3. It is one of the fastest Indian snake.
Fig 10: Dendrelaphis tristis
10. Common wolf snake kavdya) Lycodon aulicus(NV)
Table 11: Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Subphylum
Vertebrata
Class
Reptilia
Order
Squamata
Sub-order
Serpentes
Family
Colubridae
Genus
Lycodon aulicus
Distinctive character
1. It is grey, brownish or black with 10-20 thin white or
yellow bands.
2. The jet black eyes are protruding slightly and the pupil is
invisible.
3. The head is flattish and somewhat pointed, the scales are
smooth and slightly glossy.
4. The underside is white.
5. It is the most common Indian wolf snake.
Distribution: All over India.
Habitat/Habits
1. It is nocturnal, climbs vertical walls in search of geckos.
2. It found commonly near human habitation, generally
prefers old houses or heaps of rubble.
3. Feeds mainly on geckos and occasionally on skinks and
frogs.
4. Maximum length is 80 cm.
Fig 11: Lycodon aulicus
11) Brahminy Worm snake (Wala) Ramphotyphlops
braminus (NV) (Image not available)
Table 12: Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Subphylum
Vertebrata
Class
Reptilia
Order
Squamata
Sub-order
Serpentes
Family
Typhlopidae
Genus
Ramphotyphlops
Distinctive character
1. It is one of the smallest snake in India.
2. Brown or reddish – brown in colour. Underside is lighter
in colour.
3. Body is thin, cylindrical with closely places shiny scales.
4. Eyes are very small and visible under magnification only.
5. Round tail has pointed tip.
Habitat/Habits
1. It lives in soft soil, under fallen leaves or stones. Found
above ground after heavy rain.
2. It uses its head to burrow.
3. It feeds on ants, termites and their eggs.
12) Beaked worm snake (chanchu wala) (Grypotypholus
acutus) (NV)
Table 13: Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Subphylum
Vertebrata
Class
Reptilia
Order
Squamata
Sub-order
Serpentes
Family
Typhlopidae
Genus
Grypotypholus acutus

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International Journal of Fauna and Biological Studies
Distinctive features
1. Head has same width as the body.
2. Snout pointed with large, hooked beak like scales.
3. Nostrils below the neck.
4. Tiny scales covered eye visible as black dot.
5. Glossy brown above distinctly paler below.
6. Short tail ends in spine.
Distribution: All over India.
Habitat
1. It lives under soil, rotting logs or often fallen leaves.
2. It feeds mainly on worms and insects.
Fig 12: Rhinotyphlops acutus
13) Dumerils black headed Snake (Kaaltondya)
(Sibynophis subpunctatus) (NV)
Table 14: Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Subphylum
Vertebrata
Class
Reptilia
Order
Squamata
Sub-order
Serpentes
Family
Colubridae
Genus
Sibynophis subpunctatus
Distinctive character
1. Pale brown above, with a vertebral series of small round
black spots.
2. Rostral scale nearly twice as broad as deep.
3. Head and nape dark brown or black lips. Canthus
rostralis a transverse line between the eyes and two broad
cross-bands.
4. It is similar to slender coral snake but belly scales pale
greenish, whitish.
Distribution: South of Rajasthan and south of Ganges Valley.
Habitat/Habits:
1. It is terrestrial by nature.
2. Feeds on lizards.
Fig 13: Sibynophis subpunctatus
14. Common Sand Boa (Gongylophis conicus) (NV)
Table 15: Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Subphylum
Vertebrata
Class
Reptilia
Order
Squamata
Sub-order
Serpentes
Family
Boidae
Genus
Gongylophis conicus
Distinctive character
1. The overall color of the common sand boa varies from
yellowish white to dark brown with irregular blotches all
over the body.
2. They are stumpy snake with a very rough tail and a
square nose.
3. Superfically they resemble like a Russell’s viper.
4. Tail is small, non-prehensile, thick.
5. It burrows in dry sandy plains and hills in India.
Distribution: All over India.
Habitat/Habits
1. It found in sandy areas, prefers to live in crevices or
burrows.
2. It is short tempered, coils and hides under body when
disturbed.
3. It feeds on mainly small birds, squirrel’s, lizards and
skins, occasionally eats frogs and small birds.
Fig 14: Gongylophis conicus
15) Earth boa/Johns sand boa (Mandul) (Eryx Johnii) (NV)
Table 16: Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Subphylum
Vertebrata
Class
Reptilia
Order
Squamata
Sub-order
Serpentes
Family
Boidae
Genus
Eryx johnii
Distinctive Characters
1. The overall color of the Red sand boa varies
considerably, from reddish brown and speckled grey or
yellowish to black.
2. The thick body is well adapted for burrowing.
3. The shovel shape nose and a tail so blunt that it appears
to have been chopped off make them easy to recognize.
Distribution – Throughout the drier parts of India.
Habitat/Habits
1. It lives in burrows in soft soil and emerges in the
monsoon when the ground is waterlogged.
2. It feeds mainly on rats and other small mammals, lizards,

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International Journal of Fauna and Biological Studies
geckos or small birds that land on the ground.
3. Maximum length is 100 cm.
Fig 15: Eryx johnii
16. Common Vine Snake (Ahaetulla nasuta) (NV)
Table 17: Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Subphylum
Vertebrata
Class
Reptilia
Order
Squamata
Sub-order
Serpentes
Family
Colubridae
Genus
Ahaetulla nasuta
Distinctive character
1. Vine snakes are long and thin with very pointed heads.
The body is uniform parroty green often with a thin white
or yellow line separating the black scales from the belly
scales.
2. The underside is light green or yellow the scales are
smoothie but not shiny.
Distribution: All over India.
Habitat/Habits
1. It found on small bushes and trees.
2. When disturbed enlarges fore body to display a black and
white pattern that is hidden under the scales.
3. It feeds on lizards, frogs and small bird.
Fig 16: Ahaetulla nasuta
17. Brown vine snake: (Ahaetulla pulverulenta) (NV)
Table 18: Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Subphylum
Vertebrata
Class
Reptilia
Order
Squamata
Sub-order
Serpentes
Family
Colubridae
Genus
Ahaetulla pulverulenta
Distinctive character
1. Vine snakes are long and thin with very pointed heads.
2. The body is uniform brown in colour.
Distribution: All over India.
Habitat/Habits
1. It found on low bushes in forests.
2. It feeds on small birds, lizards, small mice and tress
frogs.
3. Maximum length is 170 cm.
Fig 17: Ahaetulla pulverulenta
18. Forstens cat snake (Forstens manjrya saap) Boiga
forsteni (SV)
Table 19: Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Subphylum
Vertebrata
Class
Reptilia
Order
Squamata
Sub-order
Serpentes
Family
Colubridae
Genus
Boiga forsteni
Distinctive characters
1. It is long slightly compressed body and tail.
2. Head is large, large cat like golden eyes with vertical
black pupils.
3. It found in ash brown in color, with dark brown or black
marks on the back; dark brown streak behind eyes.
4. It resembles Ceylon Cat snake.
Habitat/Habits
1. It found mostly on trees and bushes, sometimes seen at
night on the ground.
2. It feeds on lizards, small birds, mice and geckos.
3. Maximum length is 123 cm.
Fig 18: Boiga forsteni
19. Slender coral Snake (powala) Calliophis melanurus (V)

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International Journal of Fauna and Biological Studies
Table 20: Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Subphylum
Vertebrata
Class
Reptilia
Order
Squamata
Sub-order
Serpentes
Family
Elapidae
Genus
Calliophis melanurus
Distinctive character
1. It has small body, thin and cylindrical; smooth scaled.
2. It is light brown in colour with black head and neck. Tail
has two black rings.
3. Underside of body is coral red, scales under tail are
greyish-blue and black.
Distribution: Throughout the peninsular India up to Southern
parts of West Bengal.
Habitat/Habits
1. It found mainly underground, in crevices, under stones
and dried leaves.
2. When it is disturbed, it curls tail upwards.
3. It fed on Brahminy Worm snakes in captivity.
20. Common krait (Manyar) (Bungarus caeruleus) (V)
Table 21: Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Subphylum
Vertebrata
Class
Reptilia
Order
Squamata
Sub-order
Serpentes
Family
Elapidae
Genus
Bungarus caeruleus
Distinctive character
1. Common kraits are smooth, glossy bluish-black snakes
with rounded heads slightly distinct from the neck.
2. There are normally about 40 thin white cross bands.
3. The underside is white.
Distribution: All over India.
Habitat/Habits:
1. Shy temperament.
2. Feeds mainly on snakes sometimes even other kraits,
occasionally eat mice, frogs or lizards.
Fig 19: Bungarus caeruleus
21. Spectacled cobra (Cobra) (Naja naja) (V)
Table 22: Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Subphylum
Vertebrata
Class
Reptilia
Order
Squamata
Sub-order
Serpentes
Family
Viperidae
Genus
Naja naja
Distinctive character
1. It is smooth scaled snake with black eyes, wide neck and
head with medium body.
2. Coloring varies from black or brown to yellowish white.
3. The underside is usually white or yellowish with a wide
dark neck band.
4. The famous hood marking of the classic design, shows a
connected pair of ring Spectacled cobra.
5. It is the most common and deadly snake in India. When
excited it raises itself off the ground.
Distribution: All over India.
Habitat/Habits
1. It is India’s commonest venomous snake, found in
jungles, grasslands, paddy field, anthills and even in old
houses.
2. It feeds on frogs, toads, mice, small birds and
occasionally small snakes.
Fig 20: Naja naja
22. Saw Scaled Viper (Echis carinatus) (V)
Table 23: Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Subphylum
Vertebrata
Class
Reptilia
Order
Squamata
Sub-order
Serpentes
Family
Viperidae
Genus
Echis carinatus
Distinctive character
1. Small brownish body of dry appearance.
2. Mostly found under rock and in dry areas produces sound
like saw on disturbing by mutually rubbing scales on
planks.
3. Arrow shaped mark on the top of the head is also
identification.
4. Rounded body. Scales with saw like keels. short tail.
Distribution: All over India.
Habitat/Habits
1. Though it is a nocturnal.it may be seen basking in the
morning.

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International Journal of Fauna and Biological Studies
2. When disturbed it coils and rubs its saw like scales
together to make a noise like a wood saw.
3. It feed on scorpions, centipedes, geckos, skinks, frogs
and small mice.
4. Maximum length is 80.
Fig 21: Echis carinatus
23. Russells Viper (Dhurkya ghonus) (Daboia russelii) (V)
Table 24: Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Subphylum
Vertebrata
Class
Reptilia
Order
Squamata
Sub-order
Serpentes
Family
Viperidae
Genus
Daboia russelii
Distinctive character
1. Russell’s viper are heavy, rough scaled snakes with
vertical eye pupils and generally a very bright pattern.
2. The body color is usually brown or yellowish and the
pattern is composed of dark round spots edged with white
and black.
3. The underside is white in the western, partly speckled in
the southeastern and heavily speckled in the northeastern
races.
Distribution: All over India.
Habitat/Habits:
1. It found in anthills, rat holes, fields and grassland.
2. It makes a loud hissing sound when disturbed, strikes fast
when provoked.
3. It feeds on rats.
4. Maximum length is 180 cm.
Fig 22: Daboia russellii
24.) Green keelback (Gawatya) Macropisthodon
plumbicolor (NV)
Table 25: Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Subphylum
Vertebrata
Class
Reptilia
Order
Squamata
Sub-order
Serpentes
Family
Colubridae
Genus
Macropisthodon plumbicolor
Distinctive character
1. Prescence of yellow color behind the neck. Young have a
black inverted ‘V’ mark on the head and blue black bands
on the body, which disappears in adults.
2. Underside is whitish with irregular blocks of black.
3. It is an aquatic species closely related with water.
4. It is olive green, brown or greyish in color with a variable
row of black bars along the sides.
Distribution: Distribution: All over India.
Habitat/Habits
1. It found in grassland, forests and also in densely
populated cities.
2. It feeds on mainly toads, lizards and frogs.
3. It is harmless to human but its saliva is toxic to toads and
frogs.
Fig 23: Macropisthodon plumbicolor
25) Bamboo pit viper (Chapada) (Trimeresurus gramineus)
(V)
Table 26: Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Subphylum
Vertebrata
Class
Reptilia
Order
Squamata
Sub-order
Serpentes
Family
Viperidae
Genus
Trimeresurus gramineus
Distinctive character
1. Small in size with scales on the body. It has pit like
sensory organ placed between each eye and nostril.
2. Upper portion of the body is green while lower is yellow.
3. Broad and triangle shaped head.
4. It is nocturnal and arboreal species.

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International Journal of Fauna and Biological Studies
Distribution: Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Goa, Gujrat, Jharkhand,
Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil
nadu and Telangana.
Habitat/Habits
1. Found in hill forest of Sahyadri and Western Ghats. Also
reported in Melghat and Nagzira (Maharashtra).
2. It feeds on small mammals, mice, young birds and lizards
Fig 24: Trimeresurus gramineus
26 Ceylon Cat snake (Ceylon manjrya saap) Boiga
ceylonensis (SV)
Table 27: Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Subphylum
Vertebrata
Class
Reptilia
Order
Squamata
Sub-order
Serpentes
Family
Colubridae
Genus
Boiga ceylonensis
Distinctive character
1. Body is brown or yellowish marked with blackish
markings.
2. Laterally flattened body with smooth and long scales.
3. Black, dark brown or reddish patches to cross lines found
from head to tail.
4. It resembles Beddome’s Cat snake.
Distribution: Whole of Western Ghat up to Maharashtra.
Habitat/Habits
1. It is an arboreal snake.
2. It found on trees and bushes.
3. It feeds mainly on lizards, small birds, mice, frogs and
geckos.
4. Maximum length is 130 cm.
Fig 25: Boiga ceylonensis
27 Stout sand snake (Jaad Reti saap) Psammophis
longifrons (SV)
Table 28: Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Subphylum
Vertebrata
Class
Reptilia
Order
Squamata
Sub-order
Serpentes
Family
Lamprophiidae
Genus
Psammophis longifrons
Distinctive character
1. Black edge on most of the dorsal scales on grayish brown
ground color.
2. Long body, slender and covered with smooth scales.
3. Elongated head, not depressed on top and slightly broader
than neck.
4. Large eyes with rounded pupil.
Distribution: Found in drier zones of Western India including
eastern, central, western Maharashtra, most of central Gujrat,
Western Madhya Pradesh.
Habitat/Habits
1. It found in trees and also on the ground. Hot and arid
habitats.
2. It is very shy, does not bite if handled.
3. Feeds mainly on skinks.
Fig 26: Psammophis longifrons
28. Mahabaleshwar shieldtail (Mahabaleshwari
khaparkhawlya) Uropeltis macrolepis mahableshwarensis.
(NV)
Table 29: Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Subphylum
Vertebrata
Class
Reptilia
Order
Squamata
Sub-order
Serpentes
Family
Uropeltidae
Genus
Uropeltis macrolepis mahableshwarensis.
Distinctive character
1. Small, slender body and covered with glossy smooth
scales.
2. Dorsal color ranges from brown to dark chocolate brown
with more or less yellow spots.
3. Very short tail, appears sloppy and bears two spines lying
side by side on end.
Distribution
Found in major hill ranges. Western ghat, eastern ghat,
Satpura hills of central India.
Habitat/Habits
1. It found in Mahabalewshar.
2. It feeds on earthworm.

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International Journal of Fauna and Biological Studies
Fig 27: Uropeltis macrolepis mahableshwarensis.
29. Bombay Shieldtail (Khaparkhawlya) Uropeltis
macrolepis macrolepis (NV) (Image not available)
Table 30: Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Subphylum
Vertebrata
Class
Reptilia
Order
Squamata
Sub-order
Serpentes
Family
Uropeltidae
Genus
Uropeltis macropelpis.
Distinctive character
1. It has cylindrical smooth body with shiny scales.
2. Ventral scales are narrower than breadth of the belly.
3. It has small head and truncate tail.
4. Black or bluish black body has spots and a short yellow
stripe on each side of the tail and these join at the anal
scale.
Habitat/Habits:
1. It is shy in temperament and pushes its head under soil to
hide itself.
2. It mostly feed on earthworm.
30. Montane Trinket snake (pahadi taskar) Coelognathus
helena monticollaris (NV)
Table 31: Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Subphylum
Vertebrata
Class
Reptilia
Order
Squamata
Sub-order
Serpentes
Family
Colubridae
Genus
Coelognathus helena monticollaris
Distinctive character
1. It is slender-bodied.
2. The colour may vary from olive to tan to chocolate-
brown, with a distinctly banded forebody. The bands
consist of several rows of large, yellow, oval or round
spots encircled with black.
3. It is found in both thick evergreen forests and towns.
4. Trinket snakes will eat lizards, frogs and small birds.
Like the common rat snake, they are also extraordinary
rat-eating machines!
5. The montane trinket snake is a viviparous snake (it gives
birth to live young).4. It is a non-venomous snake that is
active by day and night.
Distribution: All over India.
Habitat/Habits:
1. It is a terrestrial snake that climbs trees in search of prey.
2. It feeds on rats, lizards, and small birds.
3. Maximum recorded length is 28 cm.
Fig 28: Coelognathus helena monticollaris
Discussion
Species in reptile assemblage are not only distributed in space
either horizontally or vertically, but occupy discrete
microhabitat. (Heatwole 1982).
The India subcontinent, being tropical, harbors a variety of
venomous and non-venomous snakes. The four major
venomous biting species are cobra or Naja Naja (Linne,1758)
Krait or Bungarus caeruleus(Schneider.1801) Russell’s viper
or Vipera russelli (Shaw,1797), and saw scaled viper or Echis
carinatus (Schneider 1801).
Nande and Deshmukh (2007) also reported 32 species of
snakes in Amravati district. Joshi (2011) also reported 22
species of snakes in Buldhana district.
Ingale P., Bali S., Khandale J., also have studied Preliminary
Survey of Snake Diversity from Malegaon Tehsil of Washim
District. Maharashtra. During their study they have reported
15 venomous snakes.04 non-venomous and 01 semi
venomous snake
In previous study Harney N.V. (2011) have also Studied On
Snakes of Bhadrawati, District Chandrapur (M.S.). During
their study period they had collected 466 snakes and classified
under 6 families namely Elapidae, Viperidae, Colubridae,
Diapsididae, Boidae and Pythonidae these families represents
17 types of species. 4 poisonous snakes, 12 nonpoisonous and
1 semi poisonous snakes were reported.
Walmiki N. et al., (2012) also have studied herpe to fauna of
Bassein fort and surrounding region, Thane, Maharashtra,
India. They have reported the reptilian and amphibian
diversity was in and around Bassein fort. The reptilian
diversity comprises 23 snake species, 3 skinks species, 5
gecko species and 3 lizard species and 1 terrapin and 1 turtle
species. Amphibian includes 5 frog and 1 toad species.
Karangutkar et al., (2013) studied the faunal diversity of
Kolak estuary Vapi, Gujrat and found 10 different species of
snakes. Lewis et al., (2010) studied on the herpetological
observations from field expeditions to North Karnataka and
South-West Maharashtra and found 28 species of snakes.
Raut S.R., et al (2014) have studied the biodiversity of snakes
from Palghar district. They have studied biodiversity of
snakes from, Palghar, Manor and Saphale. They have
identified 15 non-venomous, 03 semi venomous and 07
venomous snake’s species.
Whereas this study includes the biodiversity of Jawahar and
Mokhada from Palghar district. No study has been done in
this area on same topic. It is very important in conservation of
biodiversity. I have found 19 non-venomous snake’s species,
and 12 venomous species. Few species are not reported in
previous study.
Conclusion
During this study, I have observed 31 species of snakes
amongst which 19were non-venomous, 12venomous snakes.
The area with lush green vegetation, hilly terrain forms a
suitable habitat for other reptilians. From the above studies, it
can be concluded that the Mokhada-Jawahar has 301 types of

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International Journal of Fauna and Biological Studies
snake’s species belonging to 7 families of which 12 are
venomous and 19 are non-venomous snakes. The present
study indicates rich biodiversity of snakes and presence of
some rare snakes in this region. It will help to provide
information, awareness and conservation of snake’s fauna of
Mokhada–Jawahar city. If one snake park is available here it
may play a vital role in conservation of snakes. Similarly,
with the natural beauty this place may get scientific beauty
and attention also. Due to rich biodiversity in this area, it may
give best condition to preserve snakes.
Acknowledgement
I am grateful to Mr. Mayur Naresh Kedar (snake-catcher as
well as founder of “Wan wanyajeew sanwardhan sanstha,
Jawahar), who has helped me a lot during this study. Without
his help this study would not had been possible.
All the photographs are taken with the help of Mr. Mayur
Naresh Kedar
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