![]() Behaviour of Dhaman Snake Ptyas mucosus though a snake of the plains is found in all parts of the country. Usually in populated areas, it is not seen out during the days. It swims readily and vigorously with its head above the water. It is equally skillful in climbing trees and can jump from a height of 6m. Usually it tries to escape very fast on facing danger but if it is provoked, it fights with courage. When it is furious, it retracts, compresses the body, slightly erects the head and body into a āSā shape with throat distinctly pouched, strikes upwards and the tip of the tail vibrates producing a peculiar mewling sound like a cat. Eating Habits of Dhaman Snake It devours almost everything that comes within his reach but has a marked preference for frogs and toads. It swallows its prey at once and the inoffensive creatures like frogs reach its stomach alive and kills it by pressing the prey against the surface of its body. Lizards, birds and other small vertebrates are taken when available and the recorded food includes, lizards, toads, frogs, young pond turtles, nestling birds, skinks, agamid lizards and bats. Breeding Season of Dhaman Snake The breeding season of Ptyas mucosus varies with climate. It lays eggs that varies in a clutch from 6 to 14. The eggs are glazed white in appearance. It is domed at both sides and with a crisp, thick, parchment-like shell. The female coils up with the eggs. Hatchlings measure 371 to 472 mm. When the hatchlings are about three months old they are sexually mature. Enemies of Dhaman Snake Dhaman Snake usually does not have any predators except King Cobra. Juveniles fear of birds, larger reptiles and mid-sized mammals etc. Dhamans are hunted by humans in some areas for skins and meat. Geographic Range of Dhaman Snake This snake is seen in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Cambodia, China, India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Iran, Laos, West Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, Thailand, Turkmenistan, Vietnam, Nepal etc. |
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