A banded kukri snake was rescued near Jamia Millia Islamia on Thursday. The snake, which has been kept under observation, will be released into its natural habitat soon.
The Wildlife SOS Rapid Response Unit rescued the reptile after receiving a distress call on its 24-hour helpline (9871963535). A passerby contacted the NGO, which dispatched a two-member team to the location in south Delhi.
The banded kukri ( Oligodon arnensis ), also known as the common kukri, is a non-venomous colubrid snake found in the Indian subcontinent.
Mistaken for krait
Kukris are often mistaken for the venomous common krait, which they closely resemble.
Rohit Kumar, who called the NGO, said, “We come across many snakes in this season. I had come across the Wildlife SOS helpline online.”
Geeta Seshamani, co-founder of Wildlife SOS, said, “The snake is named after its sharp, curved teeth that resemble a ‘kukri knife’. The species preys on insects, larvae, reptile eggs, small rodents and skinks. Our team works round-the-clock to rescue and relocate these misunderstood reptiles and make it possible for them to co-exist in urban areas.”
