Sureshbala Nayaka*, Swarnalata Mishrab & Prafulla Kumar Mohantyc
*aTarini Thakurani Mahavidyalaya, Ghatgaon, Keonjhar-758 027,.
bReader in Zoology, Rama Devi (Autonomous) College, Bhubaneswar,-751 022,
cProfessor, P.G. Department of Zoology, Utkal University, Vani Vihar, Bhubaneswar-751 004,
Received , 29th December, 2014; Revised: 21st January, 2015
Abstract :The present paper focuses on diversity of serpentofauna in Sanghagara forest ecosystem on the basis of observational method. This forest is located in between 2101′-22010′ N latitude and 85011′-86022′ E longitude. Sanghagara, one of the most significant and alluring natural scenic spots of Odisha, deserves its weightage, validity and importance because of assemblage of both floral and faunal diversity. The field study was undertaken twice a month and 16 serpentofaunal species were recorded during the survey. Recorded serpentofaunal diversity is dominated by members of the family Elapidae, Colubridae followed by Viperidae. Among these, Ptyas mucosa (Indian rat snake) and Amphiesma stolatum (Buff striped keelback) were most frequently observed followed by Bungarus caerulus (krait) and Bungarus fasciatus (Banded krait). Findings include both poisonous and non-poisTable II.9 Herbs of S anghagara forest ecosystem. onous species of snakes. The body of snakes is different in different habitats. The diversity of serpentofauna has been observed to be decreased with increase in altitude of the forest area.