Keelback Snake:
Scientists from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun documented the Rakhine Keelback (Herpetoreas davidi) in Ngengpui Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Kachin Hills Keelback (Hebius gilhodesi) in Namdapha National Park and Kamlang Tiger Reserve.
- Keelback snakes are typically non-venomous.
- These are often found near water bodies such as streams and wetlands.
- They are found in moist localities within wet and dry forest environments.
- Diet: Frogs, lizards and occasionally fish and tadpoles
- One of the most distinctive features of keelback snakes is their “keeled” scales.
- Each scale has a raised ridge running down its center, giving the snake’s skin a noticeably rough and textured feel.
- The keeled surface not only gives keelbacks a more rugged appearance but also helps with camouflage,
- As the texture can break up light reflections and allow them to blend more effectively into natural surroundings like leaf litter, mud, and wetland vegetation.
- Their presence is considered an indicator of healthy ecosystems, particularly in forested and riparian habitats.
