Two Rare Snake Species Spotted Together at Kutch’s Kala Dungar

Kutch: Two rare snake species were spotted together during an evening patrol at Kala Dungar in Kutch in September 2026, including the Afro-Asian Sand Snake, an extremely rare species in Gujarat, the Forest Department said.

The sighting was recorded around 7.30 pm by the Range Forest Officer and local staff of Juna Beat, Khavda Round, under the Bhuj North Range of the Kutch East Forest Division. The two species were the Black-headed Royal Snake (Spalerosophis atriceps), which is non-venomous, and the Afro-Asian Sand Snake (Psammophis schokari), which is mildly venomous but is not considered fatal to humans. The latter measured approximately 70 cm in length.

Kala Dungar, the highest peak in Kutch at 462 metres, is known for its distinctive landscape and biodiversity. According to the Forest Department, the presence of the Afro-Asian Sand Snake in Gujarat is extremely rare, with the latest sighting believed to be only the second or third recorded instance in the state.

The department cited Sarp Sandarbh, a book authored by snake expert Ajay Desai, which documents the first photographic record of the species at Lodai in Kutch.

The sighting highlights the ecological significance of Kutch’s arid landscape, which provides a habitat for a variety of wildlife. The presence of both species at the same location also offers an opportunity to document the region’s biodiversity.

The Kutch East Forest Division also observes September 19 as World Snakebite Awareness Day and conducts awareness activities for local residents through signboards, wildlife awareness programmes and nature education camps.

The department has appealed to residents and tourists to cooperate in protecting rare wildlife and avoid harming snakes or disturbing their natural habitats. DeshGujarat