Red Sand Boa Snake

Why in the News ?

• Recently, the Hyderabad team of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) recovered a live Indian Red Sand Boa from a man in Warangal. This man was involved in illegal snake smuggling and trade. This snake belongs to the Eryx johnii species.

About the Red Sand Boa

• The Red Sand Boa is a two-headed or matiya snake.
• This snake does not have venom.

Scientific Name

• It is called Eryx johnii.

Habitat

• This snake is found primarily in India, Pakistan, and Iran.
• It prefers areas with dry, sandy, and loose soil. In such soil, it easily digs a hole and hides underground.
• This snake spends most of its time underground. It comes out at night (nocturnal) and remains hidden during the day.
• This snake does not lay eggs; instead, its eggs develop inside the body, and it gives birth directly to young.

Color and Size

• Its body is quite thick and is usually reddish-brown in color. Its average length is about 2.5 feet (75 centimeters).
• The tail of this snake is as round and thick as its front head. This is why, from a distance, it appears to have two heads, although it has only one mouth.

Its Protection and Status

• The number of this snake in the wild is gradually decreasing, so it has been listed as Near Threatened.
• In India, the Red Sand Boa receives legal protection under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Catching, selling, or keeping one is a serious and non-bailable offense, punishable by severe punishment and fine.

Reasons for Red Sand Boa Smuggling

• In recent years, India's domestic illegal markets have seen a surge in demand for red sand boas, largely due to new-age superstitions associated with them.
• They bring good luck to their owners.
• There are also claims that this snake contains iridium (one of the rarest and most expensive elements found in the Earth's crust) and therefore possesses supernatural powers.