Red Sand Boad

Aug. 31, 2023

A report by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)-India has pointed out 172 incidents of seizures of red sand boa between the years 2016-2021.

About Red Sand Boa:

Red Sand Boa (Eryx johnii) is a species in the subfamily Erycinae of the family Boidae.
It is commonly called the Indian Sand Boa is a non-venomous species found throughout the dry parts of the Indian subcontinent.
It is ovoviviparous and nocturnal and spends the majority of its time under the ground.
Distribution: The species is endemic to Iran, Pakistan, and India.
Appearance:
- 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".
Ecologically importance
- 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.
Conservation Status
- IUCN: Near Threatened
- Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule IV
- CITES: Appendix II