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The Red Sand Boa, a non-venomous snake, is often trafficked due to myths about its supernatural powers. Despite its harmless nature, it’s sold for crores in the black market.
Red Sand Boa, a non-venomous snake, is trafficked due to myths about its powers.
In dense forests, myths and misconceptions often fuel illegal wildlife trade, leading to the smuggling of rare species worth crores in the black market. Among these creatures is the elusive Red Sand Boa, a non-venomous snake commonly found across multiple states, including the Valmiki Tiger Reserve in Bihar. Popularly known as the “two-headed snake”, this reptile has long been the subject of folklore and misinformation, resulting in an alarming rise in illegal trafficking.
Contrary to popular belief, the Red Sand Boa does not have two heads/mouths. Experts clarify that the snake’s tail is naturally designed to resemble its head, a defence mechanism that confuses predators and deters attacks from behind. Wildlife specialist Abhishek, a Project Manager at the Nature Environment and Wildlife Society, explains that these snakes, also known as “double-engine snakes” in the scientific community, are completely harmless. They are docile and rarely come into human contact unless disturbed. Unfortunately, their perceived rarity and mystical associations have made them highly sought after in illegal markets, he said.
Fuelled by unfounded beliefs, the demand for Red Sand Boas is high in the black market. Smugglers reportedly sell them at exorbitant prices ranging from Rs 2 crore to Rs 25 crore, driven by claims that the snake holds supernatural powers. Many believe that possessing a Red Sand Boa brings immense wealth and success, while others insist it has medicinal properties capable of curing deadly diseases such as cancer and AIDS. However, wildlife experts refute these claims, stating that the snake has no actual commercial or medicinal value.
The illegal trade of Red Sand Boas is deeply rooted in superstition. In several areas, there are reports of these snakes being sacrificed to bring prosperity to businesses. They have also been linked to occult practices, black magic, and tantric rituals. South East Asian markets also drive the demand, with rumours of their use in pharmaceutical industries. “These claims are baseless. The Red Sand Boa is simply a part of the ecosystem, playing a crucial role in controlling the populations of rodents, frogs, and small birds,” Abhishek explained.
Hunting, capturing, or smuggling Red Sand Boas is a serious crime under the Wildlife Protection Act. Authorities have been cracking down on the illegal trade, imposing heavy fines and long prison sentences on those found guilty. Despite strict laws, the black market trade persists, fuelled by greed and blind faith in unfounded myths.
- Location :
Bihar, India, India
