25 Haz 2025 Çarşamba
New record of black-headed royal snake (Spalerosophis atriceps Fischer, 1885) and a review on its distribution from India
Abstract : The black-headed royal snake (Spalerosophis atriceps) is a rarely encountered colubrid snake, characterized by its limited and patchy distribution in southern India. This study documents a new occurrence of the species in India, along with a review of previous records, suggesting an expansion of its known range. The review highlights that S. atriceps remains significantly under-researched, with scarce information available on its distribution and ecological characteristics. Its presence has been recorded across six Indian states, spanning diverse habitats. Sightings of the species have been sporadic and infrequent, reflecting its cryptic nature. This study emphasizes the need for integrating citizen science initiatives to enhance data collection and improve understanding of this elusive reptile in India.