Description

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Context:

The State Board for Wildlife, which will meet next week, will consider a proposal for notifying the snake, also known as Manja Chera and Karinchera as the official reptile.

About the Indian rat snake

Aspect	Details
Local Names (Kerala)	Manja Chera, Karinchera
Venom	Non-venomous
Notable Traits	Fast crawling speed; larger size compared to most Indian snakes
Diet	Carnivorous; feeds on rodents, frogs, birds, and hatchlings of venomous snakes like cobras
Behavior	Diurnal; both arboreal and terrestrial depending on foraging and resting needs
Habitat	Forests, forest edges, dry tropical forests, savannas, scrublands, plantations, villages, and cultivated areas
Distribution	India (including the Andaman Islands), China, Pakistan, South & Southeast Asia, Turkmenistan
Ecological Significance	Controls rodent population in farmlands; reduces crop damage and risk of rodent-borne diseases; referred to as "friend of farmers"
Conservation Value	High – helps maintain ecological balance and supports agriculture
IUCN Status	Least Concern
Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972	Schedule I – Offers the highest level of protection

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https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/long-snouted-vine-snake

Source: The Hindu

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Consider the following statements regarding the Indian Rat Snake (Ptyas mucosa):

It is a venomous species commonly found in South Asia.
It is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
It plays a crucial role in controlling rodent populations in agricultural areas.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: B

Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect: The Indian rat snake is non-venomous.

Statement 2 is correct: It is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

Statement 3 is correct: It helps in controlling rodents, thereby supporting agriculture.