A rare Red Coral Kukri snake has been found dead by a wildlife photographer and rescuer Firoj Al Sabah in Panchagarh on Friday. Locals of Varu village in Panchagarh Sadar Upazila killed the snake and informed the authorities. Currently the body of the snake is under the possession of Firoj Al Sabah. This is the second time that the species has been found in Bangladesh.
Oligodon kheriensis, also known as Red Coral Kukri snake, was first found in Kaliaganj Bazar area of Bodaupazila on February 7, 2021. It was rescued alive. That snake of the Varu village is the 23rd case in the world, officials of the forest department said.
Locals said that they found the snake while conducting soil excavation at the backyard of Ashraful Islam of the area. Being panicked, they started beating the snake and at one stage it died. Upon receiving the news, photographer Firoj Al Sabah rushed to the spot and rescued the dead snake.
Firoj said, “I have informed about the snake to Kanak Ray, the Forensic Officer of Dhaka Wildlife Crime Suppression Unit. They will take charge of the body of this snake.”
Kanak Ray said that it was the second time the snake was found in Panchagarh. As this is a rare species, conducting experiments will reveal much information on its habit and venom capability. The department has already taken action to store the body, he added.
Red Coral Kukri has a vibrant red coral color pigment. A mild venomous beautiful species, this snake is not harmful to human. The habitat area of this snake is at the southern foothills of the Himalaya. This species was first found at Uttar Pradesh of India in 1936. As a nocturnal animal, this snake spends most of its time at underground.
