TIMES OF INDIA (New Delhi) 14 December 09 South Gujarat becoming smuggling den for endangered Red Sand Boa (Melvyn Thomas)

Surat: Blind faith about medicinal and aphrodisiacal properties of an endangered non-poisonous snake Red Sand Boa (RSB) is endangering the species found in south Gujarat further. After southern India, smugglers have shifted focus to south Gujarat, reports suggest. '

Two days ago, four persons were caught by police in Silvassa while they were smuggling the snake in an autorickshaw. The smugglers residents of Mumbai and Dahanu told cops that they had purchased the snake from Morkhel village in Silvassa for Rs 20,000.

Police sources said one of the smugglers Paras Sharma, a resident of Kurla in Mumbai, revealed that the snake would fetch them Rs 60,000 in Mumbai. The double-headed snake is smuggled to South-East Asia via Chennai and Bangalore.

"The Indian breed of RSB is known as Eryx johnii and is used as a pet as it's non-poisonous. The smuggling of this endangered species is rampant in south India. The snake extract is also used as an aphrodisiac," said a senior forest officer asking anonymity.

Forest officials said the smuggling of RSB to Chennai, Bangalore and Kerala is rampant. These snakes fetch a very high amount ranging from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 1.5 lakh.

Animal conservationists said districts like Surat, Tapi, Valsad, Vapi and union territories of Daman and Dadra Nagar Haveli are home to thousands of RSB.

"The incidents of smuggling of this non venomous snake is on the rise due to the blind faith and its alleged medicinal properties. Only few days ago, three persons were arrested for smuggling it near Bardoli in Surat district," said an animal conservationist Darshan Desai.

According to Desai, like a campaign run to Save the Owls' used for black magic purpose in the district, they are planning to run a campaign for rescuing RSB from being smuggled out of south Gujarat.

Sharing a similar view, deputy conservator of forest (DCF) Franklin Khobung said, "RSB is one of the most innocent of snakes. They do not have any medicinal value. But, all of a sudden myths are doing rounds endangering the reptile that comes under Schedule IV of Wildlife Act. Its poaching draws a fine amounting to Rs 25,000 and an imprisonment of up to three years."
South Gujarat becoming smuggling den for endangered Red Sand Boa

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• IND Press: Smuggling of Red Sand Boa - W von Papineäu, Wed Dec 23 16:22:19 2009