Reptiles in the Western Ghats (Karnataka, Kerala, Maharasthra and Goa)

1. Denderlaphis tristis (Common Bronze Back Snake) – Non-venomous:

• Habitat: Found in grasslands, forests, and open areas across South Asia and Southeast Asia.
• Size: Reaches lengths of up to 1.5 meters (5 feet).
• Diet: Feeds on insects, lizards, frogs, and small rodents.
• Appearance: Brown or bronze-colored back with a lighter underside, often with a dark stripe along the spine.

2. Varanus bengalensis (Common Indian Monitor Lizard):

• Habitat: Found in various habitats throughout India, including forests, grasslands, and near water bodies.
• Size: Can grow up to 1.7 meters (5.5 feet) long.
• Diet: Mainly carnivorous, feeding on insects, rodents, birds, reptiles, and eggs.
• Appearance: Large, long-bodied lizard with a long, forked tongue. Body coloration varies depending on the subspecies, but typically has a brown or gray base with yellow or white spots and stripes.

3. Calotes grandisquamis (Large-scaled Forest Lizard):

• Habitat: Found in forested areas of India and Sri Lanka.
• Size: Relatively small, reaching lengths of up to 20 cm (8 inches).
• Diet: Insectivorous, feeding on crickets, grasshoppers, and other insects.
• Appearance: Greenish-brown body with a keeled (ridged) dorsal surface. Males have a colorful dewlap (throat pouch) that they display during courtship.

4. Sphenomorphus indicus (Indian Skinc):

• Habitat: Found in various habitats across India, including forests, grasslands, and rocky areas.
• Size: Small lizard, reaching lengths of up to 12 cm (4.7 inches).
• Diet: Insectivorous, feeding on small insects and other invertebrates.
• Appearance: Brown to greyish-brown body with a lighter underside. Often has a dark stripe along the side of the body.

5. Naja naja (Indian Cobra):

• Habitat: Found in a variety of habitats across India, including forests, grasslands, and agricultural areas.
• Size: Reaches lengths of up to 1.8 meters (6 feet).
• Diet: Mainly feeds on rodents, snakes, and other reptiles.
• Appearance: Slender body with a distinctive hood that expands when threatened. Body color varies depending on the region, but is typically brown, black, or yellow. Highly venomous.

6. Python molurus (Indian Python):

• Habitat: Found in various habitats across India, including forests, grasslands, and rocky areas.
• Size: One of the largest snakes in the world, reaching lengths of up to 6 meters (20 feet) or more.
• Diet: Feeds on large mammals, such as deer, wild boar, and monkeys.
• Appearance: Large, constricting snake with a brown or yellow base color and darker blotches or stripes along the body. Non-venomous.

7. Ptyas mucosus (Indian Rat Snake):

• Habitat: Found in a variety of habitats across India, including forests, grasslands, and urban areas.
• Size: Reaches lengths of up to 2 meters (6.5 feet).
• Diet: Feeds mainly on rodents and other small mammals.
• Appearance: Slender snake with a brown or gray base color and lighter spots or stripes along the body. Non-venomous.

8. Sitana ponticeriana (Orange-headed Fan-throated Lizard):

• Habitat: Found in forests and gardens across India.
• Size: Small lizard, reaching lengths of up to 20 cm (8 inches).
• Diet: Insectivorous, feeding on spiders, ants, and other small insects.
• Appearance: Brown body with a distinctive orange or red head and throat pouch (fan) that males extend during displays.

9. Geochelone elegans (Starred Tortoise):

• Habitat: Found in dry forests and scrublands in India and Sri Lanka.
• Size: Relatively small tortoise, reaching lengths of up to 40 cm (16 inches).
• Diet: Herbivorous, feeding on grasses, leaves, and fruits.
• Appearance: Dark brown or black shell with radiating yellow or white star-like patterns.