Common Kukri

Oligodonarnensis

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Identification       

Slender bodied smooth scaled. Neck is not very prominent. Round pupil. Single rostral scale extends up to upper surface of the head. Brown back with 10-20 distinct black or dark brown bands and three˄ shaped marks of the same color on head. Belly glossy white. Possess sharp flattened teeth.

Scalation

Scales in 17: 17: 15 rows.Ventrals: males 161-199, females 166-201, angulated laterally; anal usually divided; subcaudals 41-59, paired. Single scale at tip of snout (rostral) extends well onto upper surface of head. Loreal often united with prefrontal (hence absent); supralabials 7 (3^rd and 4^th touching eye), rarely 6 or 8; anterior temporal 1.

Habitat and Reproduction

They are found in termite mounds, caves, crevices, tree holes and old houses. Young feed on insects and their larvae, spiders and gecko eggs; adults eat reptile’s eggs, geckos, skinks and small mice. The mating season takes place in the months of June-July. A clutch of 3 to 9 eggs are laid by females which hatch during August to September, depending upon the geographical variations.

Bite and venom

Common kukri snake is non-venomous. When alarmed inflates its body to a remarkable degree and some specimens also flatten the posterior part of the head, making the head more apparent than when normal. Generally does not bite. Their kukri like teeth is used for predation.Its completely a harmless species.

Distribution:

It is very well distributed throughout India and as well as in Chhattisgarh. Records are not available from Andaman & Nicobar Island and extreme Northeast. Also have distribution records from Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. The species is very shy in nature but can be seen in human habitations.

Threats

 

Road killing, destruction of its habitat and killing due to misidentifications are possible threats to the species near urban settlements. In regions like Raipur (State capital), Durg, Rajnandgaon, these species are rare to find.

Important Tags

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Common KukriColubridae Oligodonarnensis