| Abstract: |
Snakes are a rare and even less understood, critical aspect of terrestrial ecosystems, serving as both hunter and quarry through trophic levels. Kota, a district in southeastern Rajasthan, India, in the biome of the Chambal River basin, ravines, dry deciduous forests, and semi-arid scrublands is a heterogeneous, biologically rich zone with a great diversity of snakes. The current study was on systematic field-based observational study of snake species diversity, habitat preference, behavioral traits and venom profile in Kota district. Methodology: A combination of structured transect walks, opportunistic encounter surveys, key informant interviews and synthesis of verified secondary literature were used for data collection in local communities and with forest department personnel. Fifteen snake species from seven families were recorded or confirmed from the study area. Four of them Najanaja (Indian Cobra), Bungaruscaeruleus (Common Krait), Daboiarusselii (Russell's Viper) and Echiscarinatus (Saw-scaled Viper) constitute medically significant venomous species of India's "Big Four". Focal follows permitted documentation and analysis of behavioral patterns like patterns of activity rhythm and foraging strategies, thermoregulatory behavior, and defensive responses. Secondary toxinological data were used to classify venom toxicities to neurotoxic, hemotoxic and cytotoxic profiles for venomous species. The study illustrates the ecological role of snake communities in gemstones of the Chambal ecosystem, conservation imperatives for these lineages and provides a first central dataset of herpeto-fauna of management relevance for the study region. |
