The Indian Egg Eating Snake (Elachistodon westermanni)

The Indian Egg Eater (Elachistodon westermanni) was thought to be extinct in 1969. It was later rediscovered in Amravati, Maharashtra. The snake belongs to the monotypic genus Elachistodon.

DESCRIPTION :  This species is glossy brown to black, with bluish white flecks posteriorly and a middorsal creamy stripe from neck to tail tip. The head is brown with a black arrow mark. The ventrals are white with brown  dots. The maximum length attended by adults is 310 mms.

BEHAVIOUR : This Snake is Nocturnal and Gentle. Very few specimen are reported to show aggresive nature. (Though I got this snap) Very less attacking incidents are being recorded. Burrowing behaviour can be observed and this snake also shows a lot of arboreal character possibly for reaching the Eggs of the Birds.

CONSERVATION : Habitat destruction due to large scale deforestation in the range of distribution is the principal threat to survival of this species. The Construction of dams and barrages for irrigation projects, agriculture and urbanization are other major threats to the survival of this species. This species is now included in the Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, giving it further protection.