Why in News?
Recently, a rare species of snake known as the Common Bronzeback Tree Snake was spotted in the Belrayan range of the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve. The sighting is considered significant as it highlights the rich reptilian biodiversity of the Terai ecosystem in northern India and underlines the ecological importance of protected forest regions.
The discovery has generated interest among wildlife researchers and conservationists because sightings of this species are relatively uncommon in the region.
About Common Bronzeback
The Common Bronzeback is a non-venomous arboreal snake belonging to the family Colubridae. It is scientifically known as Dendrelaphis tristis.
Other Names
- Indian Bronzeback Tree Snake
- Daudin’s Bronzeback
The species is known for its slender body, swift movements, and tree-dwelling behaviour. It is among the most agile snakes found in South Asia.
Habitat and Distribution
The Common Bronzeback is widely distributed across South and Southeast Asia.
Countries of Distribution
- India
- Sri Lanka
- Nepal
- Bhutan
- Bangladesh
- Pakistan
- Myanmar
Habitat
The species inhabits:
- Dry deciduous forests
- Wet montane forests
- Tropical forests
- Himalayan foothills
- Agricultural areas
- Gardens and urban parks
The snake is highly adaptable and can survive in both natural and semi-urban environments.
Arboreal Nature
The Common Bronzeback is an arboreal species, meaning it spends most of its life on trees. It prefers treetops and shrubs rather than ground habitats. Its slender body and long tail help it move rapidly among branches.
Physical Features
The Common Bronzeback possesses several unique identifying characteristics.
Body Structure
- Long and slender body
- Thin elongated tail
- Average length between 90–120 cm
Colouration
- Grey-brown or olive-brown upper body
- Distinct bronze-coloured stripe running along the back
- Yellowish-white or pale yellow-orange underside
Head and Eyes
- Flat and elongated head
- Head broader than neck
- Large eyes with rounded pupils
- Whitish rounded spot present on top of the head
Its large eyes provide excellent vision, helping it hunt efficiently during the daytime.
Behaviour and Diet
The Common Bronzeback is:
- Fast-moving
- Diurnal (active during the day)
- Non-aggressive toward humans
When threatened, it may flatten its neck slightly and move rapidly through vegetation to escape predators.
Diet
The snake mainly feeds on:
- Lizards
- Frogs
- Small birds
- Insects
By controlling populations of small animals and insects, the species contributes significantly to ecological balance.
Ecological Importance
Snakes play an important role in maintaining ecosystem stability. The Common Bronzeback acts as:
- A predator controlling pests and small reptiles
- A part of the food chain supporting larger predators
- An indicator of healthy forest ecosystems
Its presence in Dudhwa Tiger Reserve indicates:
- Healthy vegetation cover
- Availability of prey species
- Good ecological conditions in the Terai forests
About Dudhwa Tiger Reserve
The Dudhwa Tiger Reserve is located in Uttar Pradesh near the Indo-Nepal border.
Key Features
- Part of the Terai Arc Landscape
- Known for rich biodiversity
- Home to tigers, swamp deer, rhinoceros, elephants, and diverse reptiles
Vegetation
The reserve contains:
- Sal forests
- Grasslands
- Marshes
- Wetlands
Such habitats provide ideal conditions for arboreal snakes like the Common Bronzeback.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List
- Least Concern (LC)
Although the species is not currently threatened globally, local populations may face pressures from:
- Deforestation
- Urbanisation
- Habitat fragmentation
- Road mortality
- Human fear and killing of snakes
Conservation awareness is therefore essential to protect reptile diversity.
Importance for Biodiversity Conservation
The sighting of the Common Bronzeback highlights the importance of:
- Conserving forest ecosystems
- Protecting lesser-known reptile species
- Conducting biodiversity surveys
- Promoting ecological awareness
Reptiles are often neglected in wildlife conservation despite playing a critical role in ecosystem functioning.
The discovery also demonstrates the ecological richness of the Terai region, which supports a wide variety of flora and fauna.
Conclusion
The recent sighting of the Common Bronzeback Tree Snake in Dudhwa Tiger Reserve is an important reminder of India’s rich reptilian biodiversity. Though non-venomous and harmless to humans, the species plays a vital ecological role in maintaining forest balance. Protecting such species and their habitats is essential for conserving biodiversity and ensuring ecological sustainability. The discovery also reinforces the importance of protected areas like Dudhwa Tiger Reserve in safeguarding India’s wildlife heritage.