Black magic, Chinese medicines fuelling demand for red sand boas

THANE: Over 20 rare Red Boa snakes were seized by the forest and police personnel in the past eight months making this specie the most sought-after reptile among poachers.
Popularly referred to as double-headed snake, this non-venomous reptile is mainly traded for export to China where it is believed to be used in Chinese medicines. A forest official said that there are various misbeliefs regarding this snake, including black magic, sacrifice, etc which have increased its value in the black market attracting poachers. “It is allegedly priced between a lakh to a crore in the illegal trade market,” said the official. It is learnt that the 20 snakes seized from various parts of Thane, Mumbai, Raigad and Palghar were further sent for medical examination and later for fostering to Resqink Association for Wildlife Welfare (RAWW), a non government organisation. Also, so far around 13 sand boas have been released safely into their natural habitat and seven are under foster care and treatment.
“With the help of our team of wildlife experts and veterinarians, all the individual species were attended to and treated before being rehabilitated. It was seen that most of the snakes, which were rescued were starving, dehydrated, under-nourished and under extreme trauma, stress. More than nine snakes had also shed their skin during their transit foster period, which further indicated their improving natural instincts and overall health,” said Pawan Sharma, an animal welfare officer and founder of RAWW.
The group makes sure that these reptiles are kept in specially designed large transit enclosures with soft sand/soil mixture with enrichment of stones and wood in which they can live comfortably with naturally maintained temperature. “These species are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and any illegal or unauthorized activity with such species is a violation of the Act and a punishable offence with both imprisonment and fine,” added Sharma.