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Indian Journal of Biology

Volume  2, Issue 2, Jul-Dec 2015, Pages 185-191
 

Original Article

A Study on Diversity Ofherpetofauna in Sanghagara Forest Ecosystem

Sureshbala Nayak*, Prafulla Kumar Mohanty**

*Lecturer in zoology, Tarini Thakurani Mahavidyalaya, Ghatgaon, Keonjhar-758 027. **Professor, P.G. Department of Zoology, Utkal University Vani Vihar, Bhubaneswar-751 004.

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DOI: DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21088/ijb.2394.1391.2215.13

Abstract

 The present paper focuses on diversity of serpentofauna in Sanghagara forest ecosystem on the basis of observational method. This forest is located in between 2101’-22010’ N latitude and 85011’-86022’ E longitude. Sanghagara, one of the most significant and alluring natural scenic spots of Odisha, deserves its weightage, validity and importance because of assemblage of both floral and faunal diversity. The field study was undertaken twice a month and 27 herpetofaunal species were recorded during the survey. Among these, 5 families, 11 genera and 9 species of lizards; 5 families, 14 genera and 16 species of snakes are reported. Recorded lizard diversity is dominated by members of family Geckonidae, Lacertidae followed by Scincidae. Recorded serpentofaunal diversity is dominated by members of the family Elapidae, Colubridae followed by Viperidae. Among these, Ptyas mucosa (Indian rat snake) and Amphiesma stolatum (Buff striped keelback) were most frequently observed followed by Bungarus caerulus (krait) and Bungarus fasciatus (Banded krait). Findings include both poisonous and non-poisonous species of snakes. The body of snakes is different in different habitats. The diversity of herpetofauna has been observed to be decreased with increase in altitude of the forest area.  


Corresponding Author : Sureshbala Nayak*