Infamous for its “double-headed” appearance, the red sand boa is found in the dry and rocky terrain of peninsular India.

 

The illegal trade of red sand boas is driven by superstitious beliefs and false claims surrounding the species. They are believed to bring good fortune and induce rainfall, while some even believe that they contain iridium! The beliefs surrounding these snakes have increased the pressure of trade on their populations in the wild. Despite the negativity, red sand boas are a welcome sight in agricultural fields. They play an important role in loosening the soil and preying on rodents that damage crops. However, with major declines in their populations in some areas, the need for action is greater than ever. Let’s play our part for this ecologically important species and not be a witness to their extinction.

 

This film was developed by the Counter Wildlife Trafficking team of WCS-India and Dusty Foot Productions.