Red Sand Boa Rescued from Five-Star Hotel in Cuffe Parade

A non-venomous red sand boa was rescued from the premises of a five-star hotel in Cuffe Parade in September, ensuring the reptile was saved before any harm could come to it.

The snake was located and safely retrieved by Anuj Khanvilkar, a volunteer with the wildlife non-governmental organisation SARRP India. The intervention prevented any danger to the animal while it was on the luxury hotel's property.

The species, scientifically classified as Eryx johnii, is widely known for its distinctive appearance. Because of its blunt, rounded tail that closely resembles its head, the non-venomous snake is frequently mistaken for a two-headed reptile.

Following the rescue, officials from Sanjay Gandhi National Park and wildlife volunteers coordinated over the animal's custody. Key personnel involved included SGNP senior officer Dr. Nikhil Bangar, SGNP forest guard Rohit Bhoi, SARRP India volunteer Asif Patrawala, and another SGNP official.

Experts noted that the incident underscores the severe, ongoing threat of wildlife trafficking confronting the species. Red sand boas are routinely targeted by illicit wildlife traffickers due to widespread superstitious beliefs that keeping them attracts immense wealth and good fortune, as well as myths attributing miraculous medicinal properties to them.