'Rat Snake': Kerala Wildlife Board considers proposal to declare Ptyas mucosa official state reptile; helps control crop-damaging rats in farmlands

Kerala's state board for wildlife is considering declaring the Rat Snake as the official state reptile due to its ecological importance in controlling rat populations and even consuming young venomous snakes. This move aims to bring the species under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, providing it with greater protection.

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