Diversity of snakes (Reptilia: Serpentes) in the Tezpur University Campus, Assam, India

In this study, 15 species of snakes were found in the Tezpur University campus in Assam, northeastern India. The snakes were documented by employing visual encounter survey and rescue calls. Tezpur University campus comprises of a 1.6 km² area with a green cover of approximately 75% and water bodies that serve as the home for wildlife, including reptiles. Numerous chaotic incidents of anxiety and fear due to snake sightings occurred at the campus, highlighting the need for management of snake-human negative interactions. A total of 64 snake sightings were noted during the study period, belonging to Typhlopidae (two species), Colubridae (nine species), Elapidae (three species), and Pythonidae (one species). Among them, three species, namely Naja kaouthia, Bungarus fasciatus, and Bungarus lividus, were venomous. These findings may make a significant contribution to the management of snake-human interactions on campus. In addition, it may serve as a reference for studies of the impact of a gradually urbanising world on snake diversity.