Common Sand Boa
Eryx conicus
Non Venomous
Description
The Common Sand Boa is a stout, burrowing snake with a distinctive rough-scaled body and a short, blunt tail. It is one of the two sand boa species found in India and is completely non-venomous, killing prey by constriction.
This snake spends most of its life underground or buried in sand, emerging at night to hunt small mammals, lizards, and other snakes. Its rough, keeled scales help it move through loose soil and sand with remarkable efficiency.
Sand Boas are ovoviviparous, giving birth to 6-8 live young. They are slow-moving and docile, rarely biting even when handled. Unfortunately, they face threats from illegal wildlife trade due to various superstitions and myths about their supposed medicinal or magical properties.
Natural Habitat
Found throughout the Indian plains in dry, sandy, and semi-arid regions. Common in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and central India. Prefers sandy soil, agricultural fields, and areas near brick kilns and construction sites.