Common Cat Snake : Discovered
The elusive common cat snake was recently discovered in the Valmiki Tiger Reserve, Bihar.
- Common Cat Snake, also known as Indian gamma snake, is a species of rear-fanged snake endemic to South Asia.
- Scientific Name: Boiga trigonata
- In India, it is found all over the country, excluding north-east states after Sikkim; it is also, not found in Indian islands.
- It can be found in almost all kinds of forests and wide ranges of elevations.
- While venomous, the Common Cat Snake’s venom is not considered highly dangerous to humans. It primarily uses its venom to subdue prey.
- It is a medium-sized snake that is usually found in the 70-100 cm range.
- Its body is slender, thin, and bears a thin tail.
- Its upper body colour is grey-brown, with cream-coloured irregular markings, margined with black colour.
- Its underside is yellow-white or yellow-brown.
- Its head is large, triangular-shaped, and distinctly broader than the neck.
- Unlike other cat snakes of its range, this species bears characteristic “gamma” or “Y”-shaped marking that helps in its quick identification on the field.
- Lifespan: 12-20 years
- Diet: It primarily consists of small vertebrates.
- IUCN Red List: Least Concern
