newspop
Kutch’s Unique Ecosystem and Arid Climate Provide a Safe Habitat for Rare Wildlife Species
Gandhinagar, Gujarat : Kutch is known for its unique combination of deserts, seas and mountains, making it a year-round tourist destination. Adding to its uniqueness, Kala Dungar, the highest peak in Kutch at 462 metres, provides a suitable habitat for wildlife and rich biodiversity. Under the leadership of Forest and Environment Minister Shri Arjun Modhwadia, the Gujarat Forest Department is continuously working to protect and conserve the state’s forests and wildlife.
As part of its responsibility to conserve and protect wildlife, an unusual sighting was recorded during an evening patrol at around 7:30 PM in September 2026. During patrolling by the Range Forest Officer and local staff of the Juna Beat, Khavda Round, under the Bhuj North Range of the Kutch East Forest Division, two rare snake species, rarely seen in Kutch, were spotted together at the same location after several years. One was the Black-headed Royal Snake (Spalerosophis atriceps), which is completely non-venomous. The other was the Afro-Asian Sand Snake (Psammophis schokari), which is mildly venomous, but its venom is not fatal to humans. The snake was approximately 70 cm long, according to the Forest Department’s statement.
Notably, the presence of the Afro-Asian Sand Snake in Gujarat is considered an extremely rare record. The unique ecosystem and arid climate of Kutch district provide a favourable environment and an excellent refuge for such rare species. The presence of both species at the same time and at the same location demonstrates that the area’s biodiversity remains rich and well protected. The Afro-Asian Sand Snake falls under the category of extremely rare species. This is possibly the second or third recorded sighting of this snake in Gujarat. According to the book Sarp Sandarbh, authored by expert Shri Ajay Desai, the first photographic record of this species was documented at Lodai.
Significantly, the Kutch East Forest Division observes September 19 every year as ‘World Snakebite Awareness Day’. On this occasion, extensive efforts are undertaken to raise awareness among local residents through signboards, wildlife awareness programmes, nature education camps and various other activities relevant to the theme. The Forest Department appeals to local residents and visiting tourists to extend their full cooperation in the conservation and protection of such rare wildlife without causing harm to nature or the environment. Through collective efforts, we can work together to protect and preserve wildlife.
Report : Abhijit Tushar Bhatt (Political Editor)
