Ecology of Indian Rock Python (Python molurus molurus Linn.1758) in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur, Rajasthan, India.

Abstract

Snakes in India are one among the richest assemblages in the world with about 279 species reported so far. However, studies focusing on their ecology are scanty. In tropical ecosystems, it is important to understand ecology of large bodied snakes such as pythons for proposing measures to conserve them. In this context, assessment of the python habitat and understand burrow ecology, population ecology, diurnal activity, food and feeding habits and breeding biology were investigated. The results provided are based on visual observations on free ranging Indian python in Keoladeo National Park (KNP) Bharatpur, Rajasthan, India between October 2007 and April 2010.