Mumbai: Rare species 'Glossy Bellied Racer' snake found in Chembur

12 April,2019 02:20 PM IST |  Mumbai  |  Ranjeet Jadhav

Glossy Bellied Racer snake, is a rare breed that is found in in dry/arid regions and this is the first incident of spotting this snake in Mumbai

Pic courtesy/Ranjeet Jadhav


Mumbai is now home to many rare species, from a jumping spider found in Aarey Colony to now a Glossy Bellied Racer snake (Platyceps ventromaculatus) rescued in Chembur. This unique snake was rescued by Anuj Khanwilkar, wildlife rescuer of Spreading Awareness on Rehabilitation Program (SARRP) NGO, in Mumbai.

This seems to be the first incident of a sighting of this species in Mumbai as it's geographical distribution is documented in Jammu Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan and Gujarat. In 2012, the species was also recorded from Delhi (Reference). The species is found on rocky hillslopes, open areas or near agricultural land and, sometimes, in congested urban areas as well.

However, Glossy Bellied Racers are found in dry/arid regions. It is therefore very unlikely to be found in a city like Mumbai where the environmental conditions are different from that of its natural habitat.

Also Read: Two held with rare species of snake in Palghar

Anuj Khanwilkar was attending a rescue call for a snake. However, before he could reach the spot, the caller had already caught the snake. As Khanwilkar and his team have identified the snake, it will soon be released in its natural habitat in coordination with the Forest Department. It can be speculated that the snake must have reached Mumbai accidentally through a vehicle or must have been released in Mumbai.

Also Read: Rock python lands up in toilet in Bhandup, woman faints with shock

Catch up on all the latest Crime, National, International and Hatke news here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
chembur mumbai news mumbai national news wildlife delhi jammu and kashmir uttarakhand rajasthan gujarat
Related Stories