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A baseline assessment, threats and conservation measures to ophidians at Rukhi Hill Forest, Nayagarh, Odisha, India

Author Affiliations

  • 1Department of Zoology, School of Applied Sciences, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Bhubaneswar, India
  • 2Department of Zoology, School of Applied Sciences, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Bhubaneswar, India

Int. Res. J. Biological Sci., Volume 8, Issue (10), Pages 48-51, October,10 (2019)

Abstract

A study has been conducted to know the diversity and threats to ophidians of Rukhi Hill Forest from June 2018 to March 2019. Standard methodologies were applied for the assessment. Visual encounter Survey was taken for the data collection. The snakes were handled by Snake sticks and hooks, and Photographs were taken for better identification. The snakes were identified by matching photos with the field guide book. After spontaneous field study 14 species (out of which only 5 species are poisonous) were encountered from the hill forest. The study comprised of 4 families and 12 genera. Then the species were marked with IUCN Redlist Category. Major causes of declination of snake diversity are continuous forest fire causing habitat loss, climate change, illegal expansion of urban area etc. By awareness and lawful action, the depletion of biodiversity may be check which is important for future generation. Otherwise total ecology may disrupt, and endemic species of this area may be vanished.

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