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

PRACTICE QUESTION

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

1. It is a venomous species commonly found in South Asia.
2. It is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
3. 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

(c) 1 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.