Indian Rock Python

14.12.2024

Indian Rock Python

Why in the news?                        

Indian Rock Python species is believed to have declined across Tamil Nadu, except in the Moyar Valley, where the pythons seem to be thriving.

About Indian Rock Python:

• It is a large, nonvenomous python species.
• It is known by the common names Black-tailed python and Asian rock python.

Appearance of the Indian Rock Python:

• Indian pythons are usually whitish or yellowish in color with the blotched patterns varying from tan to dark brown shades.
• This varies with terrain and habitat. Specimens from the hill forests of the Western Ghats and Assam are darker, while those from the Deccan Plateau and the Eastern Ghats are usually lighter.
• Habitat: They live in a wide range of habitats, including grasslands and savannas, swamps, marshes, rocky foothills, woodlands, open forests, and river valleys
• Distribution: Indian pythons are found in India, southern Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and probably in the north of Myanmar.
• They are nocturnal and mainly terrestrial creatures. However, they are also very good climbers and can often be seen hanging on branches of trees. Indian pythons are excellent swimmers.
• Conservation Status

○IUCN: Near Threatened

○CITES: Appendix II

• Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I
• Threats: Habitat destruction and illegal trade

                                                                 Source: The Hindu

With reference to Indian Rock Python, consider the following statements:

1. It is a venomous python species.

2. It lives in a wide range of habitats like grasslands and swamps.

3. It is categorized as critically endangered species under IUCN Red list.

How many of the above statements are correct?

A.Only one

B.Only two

C.All three

D.None

Answer A