Category : Wildlife | Location : Maharashtra | Posted on 2022-07-05 04:51:09
Aurangabad: The monsoon has sprung a surprise for nature lovers with the spotting of two rare venomous snakes — Malabar pit viper and common krait — in Aurangabad district.
Endemic to the Western Ghats, the Malabar pit viper was recently spotted on the foothills of the Ajanta mountain range near Sillod, around 65 km from Aurangabad city.
Wildlife researcher Santosh Patil, who spotted the rare snake, said it was first record of a Malabar pit viper in the district.
“The Malabar pit viper, which is a nocturnal species of snake, was found near a road-side dhaba in the vicinity of foothills. We were surprised to spot the snake in our area and could not believe our eyes for moments,” he said.
Asserting that Sillod area houses a biodiversity-rich sub-forest area, Patil said the presence of a Malabar pit viper in the area underlines the need for conservation of the local ecology.
Known for ambush preying on frogs, rodents and nesting birds among other creatures, Malabar pit viper produces hemotoxic venom that damages the circulatory system and muscle tissue, causing swelling, haemorrhage, and necrosis.
The common krait, one of the “big 4s” of venomous snakes that is rarely spotted in Aurangabad, was found in the Waluj area on Sunday night. Health professional Digambar Makey, who is also a wildlife conservationist, said the reptile was found in front of a shop when it was drizzling.
“A common krait was last seen in the Waluj area around two years ago. The snake carries neurotoxic venom that affects peripheral nervous system if bitten, leading to death if one goes without medical attention,” he said.
