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| Gongylophis conicus (Russell's Sand Boa ) |
Gongylophis conicus
| Scientific Name: |
Gongylophis conicus |
| English Name: |
Russell’s Sand Boa |
| Local Name: |
Domoi or Do - Sar |
Distinguishing Features
i. They are non-poisonous snakes.
ii. The body is cylindrical, robust and tapering abruptly.
iii.A slight distinction can be made between the head and neck.
iv.The dorsal scales are keeled and ventral scales are white in colour with distinct black flecks, separating each scale.
v. The number of scales on the upper labial varies from 11 - 13.
vi.The number of scales on the lower labial varies from 14 - 17.
vii.The dorsal surface is light gray, yellow or rusty in colour. Irregular blotches of dark brown to sooty colour are present on its surface.
viii.The median series of scales on the body is narrowly edged with dull yellow colour and fused with each other.
ix.A post-ocular stripe is present.
Size
Its length varies from 580 - 850 mm .
Habit and Habitat
Moist, loose alluvium soil is their habitat. Boas are known as burrower because they tend to live in burrows. The whole body resides in the burrow except the snout, which is exposed to the outside for respiration.
Boas are very aggressive and one must take caution while handling them, as they do not like to be touched and instantly bite on doing so. They bite with such an immense force that their teeth get detached and penetrate deep into the wound. Like other species of the family, they are nocturnal and come out at night in search of food. At the time of danger, they safely ensconced in the soil and so their habitat provides a safe camouflage.
Food
They feed on mice, shrew and lizards and kill their preys by constriction process.
Distribution
This specie is found in Pakistan, India and Srilanka. In Pakistan they inhabit the whole Indus Valley, particularly Sanghar District.
Breeding
Mating Season: Winter Season
Birth: Female gives birth to 5 - 11 young ones at a time in the months of from April - July
Economic Importance
Boas play an important role in controlling the population of rats and mice and protect our agriculture land from this menace. Beside this, their skin is used for making different goods.
Threats
They are killed by Jogis and hunters even by villagers for various reasons. Common people kill them out of fear and Jogis and hunters slay them for their skin, which is of great commercial value and use in the making of several goods.
Status
Rare. This specie has been listed in appendix II of CITES | 
