India is home to a diverse range of reptiles, including snakes. One such species of snake that is found in India is the Indian Golden Tree snake, also known by its scientific name Chrysopelea ornata. This snake is known for its striking appearance and unique features, which make it an important member of the ecosystem.
| Characteristics | Description |
| Name | Indian Golden Tree Snake |
| Scientific Name | Chrysopelea ornata |
| Colour | Golden-yellow with black stripes and spots on the upper side of the body, cream-yellow on the underside |
| Length | Up to 1.5 meters |
| Habitat | Forested regions, plantations, and agricultural areas in India, Sri Lanka, and parts of Southeast Asia |
| Food Habits | Feeds on small rodents, lizards, and birds |
| Indian States where it’s found | Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal |
| IUCN status | Least Concern |
Features
The Indian Golden Tree snake is known for its bright, golden-yellow coloration, which extends from its head to its tail. Its scales have a metallic sheen, which adds to its overall beauty. This snake can grow up to 5 feet in length, making it one of the larger snake species found in India. Despite its size, the Indian Golden Tree snake is incredibly fast and agile, capable of moving through trees and vegetation with ease. It is also relatively lightweight, with adult snakes weighing between 100 and 200 grams.
Habitat and Food
The Indian Golden Tree snake is primarily found in forested regions, especially those with dense vegetation and plenty of trees. This species is arboreal, meaning that it spends most of its time in trees, where it feeds on a diet of lizards, frogs, and small mammals. These snakes are also known to feed on birds and their eggs, which they are able to reach by climbing trees.
Where is it Found in India?
The Indian Golden Tree snake is found in various parts of India, including the Western Ghats, the Eastern Himalayas, and the Northeastern region of the country. These snakes are typically found in forested areas, especially those with dense vegetation and plenty of trees. They are also found in agricultural areas and human settlements, especially in areas where there is a large supply of prey.
Importance to Ecosystem
The Indian Golden Tree snake is an important member of the ecosystem, playing a crucial role in maintaining a balance between predator and prey populations. As an apex predator, these snakes help to keep populations of lizards, frogs, and small mammals in check, which in turn helps to prevent overgrazing and other negative effects of an unbalanced ecosystem.
IUCN Status
The Indian Golden Tree snake is currently listed as a species of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. While this species is not considered to be endangered, it is still important to take steps to protect its habitat and ensure that its populations remain stable. Habitat loss and fragmentation, as well as overhunting and poaching, can all have a negative impact on the Indian Golden Tree snake and other species of snakes in India.
Conclusion
The Indian Golden Tree snake is a beautiful and unique species of snake that is found in various parts of India. With its bright coloration, impressive size, and incredible agility, this snake is an important member of the ecosystem, playing a crucial role in maintaining a balance between predator and prey populations. By taking steps to protect its habitat and ensure that its populations remain stable, we can help to ensure that this species continues to thrive in India for years to come.
