Sunday, August 16, 2015

Venomous snakes of Bhutan

Venomous snakes found in Bhutan are Cobras (King cobra, Monocellate cobra and Spectacled cobra), Kraits (Eastern Himalayan Krait, Black Krait and Banded Krait) and Vipers which are known by its prominent V-shaped head and all other snakes are non-venomous.

Literature published in snakes of Bhutan


 Though  much  studies have not been carried out in the field of herpatofaunal sector of Bhutan there are some articles about the studies which can be useful  for the  studies in this sector in this country. Publications are :-
1) http://biodiversity.bt/biodiv/content/documents/document-7b11a336-6a28-43de-a933-bbd888db62b4/397.pdf


Ptyas nigromarginatus (Green Rat snake)

Green rat snake
 Family :  Colubridae
 Genus : Ptyas
 Species : P.nigromarginatus
 Scientific name : Ptyas nigromarginnatus
 Common name : Green rat snake
  This species are supposed to be 1.5 meters  long at the maturity but they are
   found up to 2.5 meter long. This species has elongate head which is distinct
   from neck, large in length , elongated, cylindrical body with long tail. Pupil is
   round in large eyes .  Laterally smooth 4 to 6 rows keeled Dorsal scales with
   apical pit . Ventrals are rounded.
 

Green  rat snake (Ptyas nigromarginatus)
Sunil Sapkota Exposing the Ptyas nigromarginatus


This snake was collected by Bal Krishna Koirala from the road toward Punakha to Gasa. I helped my friends to learn snake handling. Thanks to the cool Green Rat Snake.

"Smile for Snakes"