Thiruvananthapuram: A man, suspected to be an Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel, and his associate has been arrested by the Kerala forest department for attempting to sell a rare species of snake. The snake, called the Kerala Shieldtail, is found in the Western Ghats of South India. Though it’s scientific name is Uropeltis Ceylanica, it is known as Iru Thala Moori, or the two-headed snake, in Kerala.
No, this harmless, non-venomous snake, that primarily feeds on earthworms, doesn’t have two heads. Its tail end is swollen and resembles a head. Herpetologists say that this false head helps in protecting the reptiles from predators, who get confused, not knowing which end to attack.
This variety is in high demand among snake charmers and private collectors, who earn good money by showing off a ‘two headed snake’, particularly during festivals and rituals. As these snakes are harmless, they can be easily handled by all.
The arrests were made at Alappuzha in Kerala after the forest department came to know of a Rs 7 lakh deal being struck for sale of such a snake. While the suspected IAF airman has been identified as Abhilash Kushan (34), his accomplice is Harikrishna (32). Kushan is from Vandanam and Harikrishna from Arattupuzha.
“On receiving information, a member of the forest department called up Abhilash and asked for a similar snake. He promised to pay much more than Rs 7 lakh. Abhilash fell into the trap and a room was booked at a hotel in Alappuzha to complete the deal. Robin Martin, Deputy Range Officer, Karikkulam Forest Station, along with a flying squad reached the spot and arrested the duo. It seems that they are part of larger racket, involved in the trafficking of wildlife,” B R Jayan, Range Officer, Ranni Range, told the media.
The snake rescued from the hotel is 135 centimetres long and weighs three kgs. It will be released in the forest after a proper check up, Jayan said.