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| Eryx johnii (Indian Sand Boa) |
Eryx johnii
| Scientific Name: |
Eryx johnii |
| English Name: |
Indian Sand Boa |
| Local Name: |
Domoi |
Distinguishing Features
i. They are non-poisonous snakes.
ii. The body is robust, cylindrical and taper.
iii.There is no marked distinction present between the head and neck.
iv.The snout is broad and wedge shape.
v. The tail is blunt and possesses 2 - 5 white bands. In some species the tail and head are of equal width and diameter.
vi.The dorsal surface is dark brown and ventral surface is cream in colour. Young ones are red and get darker with age.
vii.The median part of the dorsal surface is covered with smooth scales. However the anterior and posterior parts of the dorsal surface are covered with weak and heavily keeled scales respectively.
viii.The number of scales on the upper labial varies from 9 - 12.
ix.The number of scales on the lower labial varies from 13 - 18.
x.A trace of pale mottling on the flanks and light tail rings are also present.
Size
Its length varies from 650-950 mm.
Habit and Habitat
This is desert specie and is usually found in sandy habitat. They are nocturnal, but some times come out in the daytime in the cooler months and after the rain. This specie is known to move very slowly, as the ventral muscles are not fully developed to facilitate the movement. They show contradictory behavioural moods during defence and attack. At the time of danger, they encircle their body and hide their head while in aggression, they expand the body and produce a hissing sound with constant tapping of their tail on the ground.
Food
They normally feed on mice, shrew, small lizards, frogs and toads and use their fangs for capturing the prey.
Distribution
This specie is found in India, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan. In Pakistan, they are mostly found in the Thar Desert, the Indus Valley and in the plains of Hub River. Recently, two species of these snakes have been reported in the sandy beds of Kirthar.
Breeding
Mating Season: March - May
Birth: Female gives birth to 6 - 8 young ones at a time in the months of August and September
Economic Importance
Its skin is used for making shoes, purses, belts and bags.
Status
Rare. This specie is enlisted in appendix II of CITES.
Threats
Jogis and hunters increasingly kill this snake for its skin. | 
