Oligodon kheriensis


Oligodon kheriensis or the coral kukri snake is a kukri snake that was first described in 1936 from the North Kheri Division.
In 2014 and 2015, dead red coral kukri snakes were found in Nainital district of Uttarakhand. In the recent past the snake was sighted in Sonaripur range of Dudhwa Tiger Reserve in 2018. Subsequently, Field Director Dudhwa Tiger Reserve sighted it in Majhgai Range of North Kheri Division in June 2019.

Characteristics

The coral kukri snake is bright orange to coral red coloured.

Distribution and habitat

Oligodon kheriensis was known from only two specimens. The first was found in the Kheri Division of Uttar Pradesh, India, and one was found in Mahendranagar in western Nepal. In 2002, one individual was recorded in the vicinity of the Chitwan National Park.

Ecology and behaviour

Little is known of the ecology of the coral kukri snake. It is thought to be nocturnal and living underground most of the time, and that it can dig using its rostral scales. It probably preys on earth worms and larvae.

Conservation

In India, Oligodon kheriensis is protected under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, Schedule IV.