Diversity and Distribution of Snakes in Adjoining Areas of Panvel, Navi Mumbai, West Coast of India

Abstract

In this study, impact of over-exploitation of natural resources on diversity and distribution of snakes in adjoining areas of Panvel, Navi Mumbai was assessed. The present work was carried out for one year (from June 2019 to May 2020). Study sites were visited during dawn and dusk hours, one day in each month. Also, data on snakes was collected from local snake friend NGOs and reports of accidental road kills. This study observed 25 species of snakes representing 10 families and 23 genera out of which 10 species belong to family Colubridae, 3 species each to Elapidae and Viperidae, 2 species each to Erycidae and Natricidae and 1 species each to Homalopsidae, Lamprophiidae, Pythonidae, Sibynophiidae and Typhlopidae. During present study, 19 species of non-venomous snakes and 6 species of venomous snakes were observed. The study shows that, ecological conditions in area adjoining to Panvel, Navi Mumbai supports moderate snake density. It can be concluded that over-exploitation of natural resources in Panvel region due to ongoing construction of Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) are the key factors affecting the diversity and distribution of snakes. Also, mortality of snakes in residential complexes is due to lack of awareness regarding ecological role of snakes and fear of snake bite. It is recommended to create awareness among general public about role of snakes in ecological food chain and also sustainable utilization of natural resources. Since no earlier reports are available, data presented here can be taken as a baseline data in knowing the status of snakes from adjoining area of Panvel, Navi Mumbai.