Campaign to protect the rare Red Sand Boa

Mumbai, Jan 27 : The World Wildlife Fund-India and TRAFFIC India Office have launched an online campaign to raise awareness on the illegal trade of the Red Sand Boa (Eryx Johnii), or what is known as the ‘double-headed snake’.
The Red Sand Boa is protected under the Schedule IV of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and any sale, purchase or possession of the species is a punishable criminal offence.
TRAFFIC India Office Head Saket Badola said that despite its important ecological role and protection status in the country, the Red Sand Boa is heavily trafficked.
“This illicit trade is adversely impacting wild populations, so it is imperative that law enforcement agencies understand this ecologically important species better and take stride to curb the illegal trade of this snake in India,” Badola urged.
Known commonly as the ‘double-headed snake’ owing to its blunt trail that resembles its head, the non-poisonous Red Sand Boa ranks among the most traded and expensive reptiles in India currently.
In recent times, reports suggest an upsurge in demand for this snake across the domestic illegal markets, mainly due to the new age superstitions attached to them and an increasing quest to own them though it is deemed illegal under Indian laws.