172 incidents of seizures of red sand boa recorded from 2016 to 2021: WCS-India report

A report by the Wildlife Conservation Society-India has pointed out 172 incidents of seizures of red sand boa (Eryx johnii) between the years 2016-2021.

A report by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)-India has pointed out 172 incidents of seizures of red sand boa (Eryx johnii) between the years 2016-2021. The report, compiled by the Counter Wildlife Trafficking unit of WCS-India, and titled ‘Illegal Trade of Red Sand Boa in India 2016-2021 ‘ collates information from media reports on the seizures.

“We documented 172 unique media records involving illegal sand boa trade from January 2016 to December 2021 in India. Fifteen of these included sand boas alongside other wildlife species, with 157 records talking only about sand boa species. One hundred and twenty-one of the 157 incidents documented seizures involving red sand boas,” the report said.

The red sand boa is classified as ‘Near Threatened’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with a ‘decreasing’ population trend in most of their habitat ranges. Uttara Mendiratta, programme head, counter wildlife trafficking programme of WCS-India, said this report is an attempt to bring to light the trade in red sand boas, especially online trade, and to develop a better understanding that might help prevent the illegal collection and sale of the species.

The report points out that incidents of illegal sand boa trade were documented in 18 States and one Union Territory, covering 87 districts across India. The highest number was recorded in Maharashtra (59), often from urban areas such as the districts of Pune (11), Thane (nine), Raigad (seven), and Mumbai Suburban (five). The second highest number was recorded from Uttar Pradesh (33), often from regions in proximity to the international border with Nepal, such as the districts of Bahraich (eight) and Lakhimpur-Kheri (seven).

“The red sand boa is now acknowledged as one of the most traded reptile species in the illegal trade market, due to its demand in the pet trade, as well as for use in black magic,” Nirmal Kulkarni, senior consultant, WCS-India, and an experienced herpetologist, said.

The report points out that illegal trade of sand boas is likely prevalent across India, with concentrations in key localities such as Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, where traders mainly deal in live species.

“In Maharashtra, the instances of sand boa trafficking recorded in urban areas are higher than in rural areas, which suggests that the trade is being driven by young urbanites with greater expendable income, or that sand boa trade in rural areas is more commonly conducted offline. In Uttar Pradesh, the frequency of recorded incidents near international border points suggests that the Indian sand boa trade could be linked to Nepal, or that sand boas are commonly sourced from forested border regions,” the report added.