Diversity of snakes in and around Mysore, Karnataka, India

Abstract

Climate change and rapid habitat degradation have led to a rapid decline in the population of snakes. Hence constant monitoring of their diversity and wellbeing is necessary. During the present study under our Sarpa Sathi project, we surveyed for snake diversity using time-constrained search, incidental encounters in and around the Mysore city, Karnataka, India, for the first time. During the study period of three years, we have identified 24 species of snakes, belongs to 7 families, among which 18 are non-venomous, 2 mild venomous and 4 are venomous. The study indicate a decent diversity of snakes in the region and highlight on the need for increased efforts towards conservation of these important members of food web.