Latest news with #IndianRockPython
Indian Express
16 hours ago
- General
- Indian Express
Month after python & 22 eggs were rescued from drain, 22 hatchlings come to life in Mumbai
Over a month after a python and its 22 eggs were rescued, 22 hatchlings have now come to life out of the 22 eggs under the supervision of a group of zoologists and animal rescuers over a period of 37 days. All the 22 hatched within a 24-hour period between Monday and Tuesday and have now been released in their natural habitat. The mother python was, however, released in its natural habitat by the group — Resqink Association of Wildlife Welfare (RAWW) — after a medical check soon after it was rescued . On May 18, while carrying out pre-monsoon desilting work in one of the drains at Mumbai's Eastern Express Highway (EEH), a group of workers appointed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) discovered a nine-feet-long reptile curled up underneath a culvert near Kannamwar Nagar in Vikhroli (East). It did not take much time for the workers to realise that the reptile was an Indian Rock Python that was protecting its nearly two dozen eggs under its curled body. Within minutes, the workers made a distress call to the Maharashtra Forest Department, following which a three-member team came to the spot. 'We went to the spot and realised that the python was a female one and it had laid eggs recently, and therefore, we rescued it from the spot and brought it to our shelter home,' Pawan Sharma, honorary wildlife warden and president of RAWW, told The Indian Express Tuesday. Sharma said that his NGO gets rescue calls of this sort every year during the monsoon, mainly due to the waterlogging in Mumbai, due to which reptiles get washed away from their original habitat and end up in a different place entirely. 'According to the rules of the Wildlife Protection Act, we cannot keep the Python with us. Therefore, we released it in the natural habitat and our objective was to artificially hatch the eggs and make sure that all the hatchlings take birth,' Sharma said. For artificially hatching the eggs, the zoologists used a plastic container as an incubator. Chinmay Joshi, a zoologist who carried out the entire process, told The Indian Express that the container was filled with natural elements like soil, coconut husk and activated charcoal. Joshi said that no artificial ingredient was used inside the incubator and items like activated charcoal filters out the gas and coconut husk has antibacterial properties in them. 'We would monitor the temperature continuously during the entire process of incubation and would maintain an average range of 21 and 23 degrees Celsius, while the humidity would range between 65% and 80%. This temperature and humidity range would be similar if they were hatched under natural conditions,' Joshi said. When the temperature would fall below normal levels they used warm water to regulate it, he added. Joshi said that the average cycle of incubation of rock python eggs ranges between 60 and 90 days and the rescued eggs were with them for 22 days. 'The hatchlings started to come out Monday and by Tuesday, all the 22 eggs got hatched and the baby pythons were immediately released in their natural habitat,' he added. Joshi said that earlier similar methodologies have been followed to hatch eggs of several other reptiles like checkered Keelback water snakes, Montane Trinket snakes and Monitor Lizards. 'Our objective was to save as many eggs as we can. Here we have achieved a 100 per cent success rate mainly because we were able to replicate the entire natural habitat which included perfect temperature regulation as well,' Sharma said.
Time of India
31-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
10 non-poisonous snakes that can terrify without a drop of venom
Non-venomous snakes are fascinating creatures that rely on skill, strength and strategy rather than venom to survive and thrive. Unlike their venomous relatives, these snakes use constriction, speed or camouflage to catch prey and defend themselves. They are found in diverse habitats around the world and these non-venomous snakes play important roles in ecosystems by controlling pest populations and maintaining balance. Despite lacking venom, many of these snakes are powerful hunters and have unique adaptations that make them successful in their environments. Understanding non-venomous snakes helps us appreciate the incredible diversity and adaptability of these remarkable reptiles. 10 snakes that rule the animal kingdom without poison Snake Description Habitat/Distribution Size Diet Behavior/Other Facts Rough Green Snake Slender, bright green, excellent climbers, non-venomous Southeastern USA, trees, shrubs, near water 2–3 feet Insects, spiders, caterpillars Shy, gentle, active during day, uses camouflage to avoid predators Milk Snake Colorful red, black, white/yellow bands; mistaken for coral snake North and Central America, forests, fields Varies Rodents, birds, small reptiles Nocturnal, secretive, harmless, name from myths Common Garter Snake Long slender body with yellow, green or blue stripes, widespread in North America Woodlands, grasslands, near water sources Varies Worms, amphibians, small fish Harmless, adaptable, often seen basking in sun Western Ribbon Snake Subspecies of garter snake, slender body with three yellow/cream stripes, long tail Central and southern USA, wetlands, marshes Medium Small fish, frogs, insects Fast, shy, non-aggressive, aquatic edge habitats Brahminy Worm Snake Tiny, worm-like, smooth shiny brown/purplish body, parthenogenetic (all female) South and Southeast Asia, burrows underground Under 6 inches Small invertebrates like ants Harmless, 'flowerpot snake,' spreads via potted plants Indian Rock Python Large, patterned scales in brown/yellow/black, powerful constrictor Indian subcontinent, forests, grasslands 10–15 feet Birds, rodents, small mammals Shy, non-venomous, protected species Common Sand Boa Short, thick body, earth-toned pattern, burrowing India, Southeast Asia, sandy/arid Small to medium Rodents, birds, lizards Ambush predator, kills by constriction, harmless but sometimes killed due to superstition File Snake Aquatic, loose baggy skin with rough keeled scales South and Southeast Asia, freshwater/coastal Medium Fish, amphibians Slow-moving, nocturnal, uses rough skin to grip slippery prey Indian Rat Snake Slender, agile, coloration olive to yellowish, excellent climbers/swimmers India, fields, forests, human settlements 6–10 feet Rats, frogs, birds, eggs Beneficial for pest control, harmless but may hiss or bluff when threatened Russell's Kukri Snake Small-medium, brown/gray with dark bands, kukri-shaped rear teeth for slicing eggs South Asia: India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka 2–3 feet Eggs, other small prey Shy, non-aggressive, uses unique teeth for diet Non venomous snakes in the world Rough green snake Rough green snakes are slender and non-venomous snakes known for their bright green color and graceful movement. They are native to the southeastern United States and are commonly found in trees, shrubs and grassy areas near water. These snakes grow up to 2–3 feet long and are excellent climbers. Their diet consists mainly of insects and small invertebrates like spiders and caterpillars. Rough green snakes are harmless to humans and rely on their camouflage to avoid predators. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Perdagangkan CFD Emas dengan Broker Tepercaya IC Markets Mendaftar Undo They are shy and gentle creatures often active during the day. Their calm nature and striking appearance make them a favorite among reptile enthusiasts and nature lovers. Source: Wikipedia Milk snake Milk snakes are colorful non-venomous snakes known for their striking red, black and white or yellow bands. Often mistaken for the venomous coral snake due to their similar patterns, milk snakes can be distinguished by their band order which is "red on black, friend of Jack." They are found across North and Central America and thrive in forests, fields and rocky areas. Milk snakes are secretive and mostly active at night, feeding on rodents, birds and other small reptiles. Despite myths, they don't drink milk from cows as the name likely came from old farm legends. They are harmless to humans and make popular pets. Source: Wikipedia Common garter snake The common garter snake is one of the most widespread and familiar snakes in North America. They are recognized by its long, slender body and yellow, green or blue stripes running along its length, this non-venomous species is highly adaptable and found in a variety of habitats including woodlands, grasslands and near water sources. Garter snakes feed on worms, amphibians and small fish. They are harmless to humans and often seen basking in the sun or slithering through gardens. Their mild abundance makes them an important part of local ecosystems and a great introduction to reptiles for nature lovers. Source: Wikipedia Western ribbon snake The western ribbon snake is a subspecies of garter snake which is known for its elegant appearance and fast movements. It has a slender body with three bright stripes which are usually yellow or cream, running the length of its dark brown or black body and a notably long tail. They are found in the central and southern United States and these non-venomous snakes prefer wetlands, marshes and the edges of ponds or streams. It preys on small fish, frogs and insects using its speed and agility to capture food. They are shy and non-aggressive and pose no threat to humans and are an important predator in its environment. Source: Wikipedia Brahminy worm snake The Brahminy worm snake is one of the smallest and most unique snakes in the world. Often mistaken for an earthworm due to its tiny size which is usually under 6 inches long and smooth, shiny brown or purplish body, it is non-venomous and completely harmless. Native to South and Southeast Asia, this burrowing snake has spread globally through soil in potted plants, earning it the nickname "flowerpot snake." Fascinatingly, all known individuals are female and reproduce through parthenogenesis which is laying fertile eggs without mating. Brahminy worm snakes live underground and feed on small invertebrates like ants and termite larvae. Source: Wikipedia Indian rock python The Indian rock python is a large yet non-venomous snake native to the Indian subcontinent. It can grow up to 10–15 feet long and is known for its distinctive patterned scales which is usually a mix of brown, yellow and black. They are found in forests, grasslands, swamps and near rivers and is a powerful constrictor that kills its prey by wrapping around and suffocating it. Its diet includes birds, rodents, and small mammals. Though massive in size, the Indian rock python is shy and poses no threat to humans. It plays an important role in controlling pest populations and is protected under Indian wildlife laws. Source: Wikipedia Common sand boa T he Common Sand Boa is a short, thick-bodied and non-venomous snake found across India and parts of Southeast Asia. It is known for its blunt tail and earth-toned patterns and is well-camouflaged in sandy or arid environments. This burrowing snake spends much of its time underground, ambushing prey such as rodents, birds and lizards by sudden strikes. It kills by constriction and is completely harmless to humans. Despite its harmless nature, it is sometimes killed due to myths and superstitions. The sand boa plays an important ecological role by helping control pest populations in farmlands and grasslands. Source: Wikipedia File snake File snakes, also known as wrinkled snakes belong to the family Acrochordidae and are unique non-venomous aquatic snakes that are found in South and Southeast Asia. The most common species in India is the common file snake. These snakes have loose, baggy skin covered in rough, keeled scales that feel like a file. They are slow-moving and entirely aquatic, living in freshwater and coastal habitats. File snakes feed mostly on fish and amphibians using their rough skin to grip slippery prey. They are harmless to humans, they are nocturnal and rarely seen on land and spend most of their life in water. Source: Wikipedia Indian rat snake The Indian rat snake, also known as the Oriental rat snake or Dhaman, is one of the most common and widely distributed non-venomous snakes in India. It can grow up to 6–10 feet long and is known for its slender, agile body and speed. Its coloration ranges from olive, brown to yellowish with a lighter belly. Indian rat snakes are excellent climbers and swimmers, often found near fields, forests and human settlements. They feed mainly on rats, frogs, birds, and eggs, making them highly beneficial for pest control. Though harmless, they may hiss or bluff when threatened. Source: Wikipedia Russell's kukri snake Russell's Kukri Snake is a non-venomous snake found primarily in South Asia, including India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. It is named after its distinctive kukri-shaped (curved like a Nepalese knife) rear teeth, it uses these specialized teeth to slice open eggs which form a significant part of its diet. This snake is relatively small to medium-sized, usually measuring around 2 to 3 feet in length. It has a brown or grayish body with dark bands or blotches, helping it blend into forest floors and leaf litter. Russell's Kukri Snake is generally shy and non-aggressive toward humans. Source: Wikipedia Also read: King Cobra vs Eastern Indigo Snake: Who will win a fight between these two venomous creatures
India Today
21-04-2025
- General
- India Today
Deforestation in Kancha Gachibowli could raise Hyderabad temperature: Report
Long celebrated as Hyderabad's verdant lungs, a large portion of Kancha Gachibowli forest (KGF) in Telangana's Rangareddy district was mercilessly razed to make way for a gleaming new IT park. It was done despite a report flagging major environmental consequences of destroying the forest Ecological Heritage Report prepared by ecologist Arun Vasireddy and wildlife photographer Sriram Reddy, both alumni of the University of Hyderabad, said deforestation of the KGF will lead to a temperature increase of 1-4 degrees Celsius in the adjoining localities of Tellapur, Nallagandla and KGF deforestation will force locals and corporate entities like Microsoft, Infosys and Wipro to pay more power tariffs, it said. Satellite images indicate the removal of nearly 2 sq km of vegetation between March 30 and April 2. The KGF is home to 233 bird species and 72 tree species, supporting over 40,000 trees and diverse wildlife. Students from the University of Hyderabad and ecologists have described the forest clearing operation as systematic environmental destruction of the 400-acre forest sits at the highest point of the Manjira basin, playing a crucial role in preventing floods and sustaining freshwater drop of water preserved here will affect thousands of hectares of land and the entire basin itself,' the report mentions. With industries located at Bollaram Industrial Area, which is another high point, the hydrological security of the basin needs to retain KGF's clean and fresh water to preserve the sanctity of the canals that ultimately merge into the Manjira. WHY IS GACHIBOWLI IMPORTANT?According to the Status of Forests Report, Telangana has 27,292 sq km of forest area, about 24% of the state's total geographical area. Of this, 19,696.23 sq km is reserved forest, 6,953.47 sq km is protected forest and the remaining 642.30 sq. km is unclassified. But forests and biodiversity in Telangana have been shrinking due to various irrigation and road construction projects since the state's formation in least 27 bird species found in the KGF are listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act (1972), which grants the highest level of legal protection in India. It shelters vulnerable species like the Indian Rock Python, Bengal Monitor Lizard, Star Tortoise, Indian Chameleon, and Spotted Deer—all flagged under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, the world's benchmark for tracking species at risk of thriving here are 46 reptile species, 13 amphibians, and 32 bird species marked as high priority under the 2023 State of India's Birds (SoIB) report—a key tracker of conservation status and population forest is the only home to Murricia hyderabadensis, a unique spider discovered in 2010. 'It is found nowhere else in the world,' the report stated.'Kancha Gachibowli is in a crucial zone that also houses ISB, IIT, Wipro, Accenture, Amazon and the financial district,' it said. And preserving it is key to safeguarding the lake and hill ecosystem that sustains PROTESTS & POLITICAL UPROARA political row has erupted in Telangana with the opposition Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) vowing to reclaim the land and transform it into a sprawling ecological zone when it returns to ministers Bhatti Vikramarka and D Sridhar Babu, who are also alumni of the University of Hyderabad, urged Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy and Forest Minister Konda Surekha to witness the fading wilderness of KGF. Ecologist Vasireddy also called for an honest and reliable environmental impact assessment of the costs nothing to maintain this green space. It costs thousands of crores to create even the smallest version of it,' said Vasireddy.
