Sistan sand boa recorded for first time in Rajasthan's Sikar district
Researchers have documented the non-venomous snake in India after previously finding it only in Iran and Pakistan.
Researchers Vivek Sharma and Dharmendra Khandal have documented the presence of the Sistan sand boa (Eryx sistanensis) in the Sikar district of Rajasthan, according to a Times of India report. This marks the first confirmed record of the species in India, having previously been known to inhabit parts of Iran and Pakistan.
The three snakes were found in different locations between August and September 2025. The first was seen on August 19 near a cowshed, the second on September 12 in Sunda ki Dhani, and the third on September 21 in the Rukansar area.
The study, published in the Journal of Threatened Taxa on May 26, 2026, noted that the snakes were found near residences and farmlands rather than in typical sand dunes. The researchers identified the species by examining physical traits such as tail shape and specific markings, including dark bands on a tan or buff-coloured body.
The Sistan sand boa closely resembles the Indian red sand boa, which can make identification difficult. The researchers noted that the Sistan species has a tail that tapers gradually, unlike the more consistent thickness seen in the Indian red sand boa.
The researchers suggested the species might exist in other northwestern parts of India, citing previous sightings in Haryana, Punjab, and other Rajasthan districts. However, they noted that further documentation is required to formally confirm those instances.
The species is listed under Schedule II of the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022. The study highlighted conservation concerns, noting that the snake could be targeted due to its resemblance to species used in illegal trade or religious activities.
