The Liavancore Woll Snake, also known as Lycodon travancoricus, is a non-venomous snake species found in the Western Ghats of India. This snake has a unique scalation pattern, and its natural history and behavior make it a fascinating creature to study.
Appearance:
The Liavancore Woll Snake is a relatively small species of snake with an average length of 35-45 cm (14-18 inches) and a slender, cylindrical body shape. It has a distinctive scalation pattern, with smooth dorsal scales arranged in 19-19-15 rows and rounded ventral scales numbering between 132-140. The scales on the tail are also smooth and rounded.
The coloration of the Liavancore Woll Snake is brownish-gray or yellowish-brown with a darker dorsal stripe running along its back. Its belly is lighter in color and may have dark spots or speckles. The snake’s head is slightly broader than its neck and has small, round pupils in its eyes.
Habitat:
The Liavancore Woll Snake is found in the Western Ghats, a mountain range that runs parallel to the western coast of the Indian peninsula. This region is a biodiversity hotspot and is known for its high level of endemism. The snake inhabits forested areas and mountain slopes of the region, and is primarily found in the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Behavior:
The Liavancore Woll Snake is nocturnal and is usually found hiding under rocks or in crevices during the day. It feeds primarily on small mammals, such as rodents, but may also eat frogs, lizards, and other small reptiles. The snake is generally non-aggressive and shy, and will usually try to escape when confronted. However, if it feels threatened, it may display defensive behavior, such as hissing or puffing up its body. The Liavancore Woll Snake is not venomous, but may bite if it feels threatened or cornered.
Reproduction:
Little is known about the reproductive biology of the Liavancore Woll Snake, but it is likely to be oviparous, laying eggs rather than giving birth to live young.
Conservation:
The Liavancore Woll Snake is currently listed as a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, like many other species in the Western Ghats, it is threatened by habitat loss due to deforestation and other human activities. The protection of its habitat is crucial for the conservation of this species and the maintenance of biodiversity in the region.
Scalation and Appearance
The Liavancore Woll Snake has a distinctive scalation pattern, with an average length of 35-45 cm. Its dorsal scales are smooth and arranged in 19-19-15 rows, while its ventral scales are rounded and number between 132-140. The snake’s eyes are small and have a round pupil, and its head is slightly broader than its neck.
The body of this snake is slender and cylindrical, and it has a brownish-gray or yellowish-brown coloration with a darker dorsal stripe running along its back. Its belly is lighter in color and may have dark spots or speckles. The scales on the tail of the Liavancore Woll Snake are also smooth and rounded.
Natural History
The Liavancore Woll Snake is found in the forests of the Western Ghats, which are a biodiversity hotspot with a high level of endemism. This snake is mainly active at night and is usually found hiding under rocks or in crevices during the day. It feeds primarily on small mammals, such as rodents, and may also eat frogs, lizards, and other small reptiles.
Behavior
The Liavancore Woll Snake is generally non-aggressive and shy, and it will usually try to escape when confronted. However, if it feels threatened, it may display defensive behavior, such as hissing or puffing up its body. This snake is not venomous, but it may bite if it feels threatened or cornered.
Location and Habitat
The Liavancore Woll Snake is found in the Western Ghats of India, which is a mountain range that runs parallel to the western coast of the Indian peninsula. This snake is primarily found in the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, where it inhabits the forested areas and mountain slopes of the region.The Liavancore Woll Snake is a unique and interesting species found in the Western Ghats of India. Its distinctive scalation pattern, natural history, and behavior make it a fascinating creature to study, and its non-aggressive nature makes it a valuable part of the local ecosystem.
