Painted Keelback

The painted keelback (*Xenochrophis cerasogaster*) is a semi-aquatic snake species characterized by its distinctive reddish-orange underside, from which its scientific name derives ("cerasogaster" meaning cherry-bellied). This non-venomous colubrid typically measures 60-90 centimeters in length, with keeled scales and variable dorsal coloration ranging from brown to olive-green with darker crossbands. As a piscivorous species, it plays a crucial role in aquatic ecosystems by controlling fish populations and serving as prey for larger predators.

The species inhabits freshwater wetlands across the Indian subcontinent, including Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan. It favors slow-moving rivers, marshes, ponds, and rice paddies, where it hunts primarily for small fish and amphibians. The snake is closely associated with lowland aquatic habitats and demonstrates strong site fidelity to suitable wetland areas.

*X. cerasogaster* faces mounting pressure from multiple anthropogenic threats. Urban expansion and housing development directly eliminate wetland habitats, while intensive fishing practices deplete prey species and often result in incidental capture.

Agricultural conversion, particularly rice cultivation intensification, alters natural wetland hydrology. Water pollution from industrial and domestic sources degrades habitat quality, while ecosystem modifications such as dam construction and water diversion projects fragment remaining suitable areas.

Conservation efforts remain limited, with habitat protection occurring primarily within existing protected areas. The species benefits from wetland conservation initiatives targeting waterfowl and other aquatic fauna. However, comprehensive population monitoring and targeted conservation programs are lacking across most of its range, contributing to continued population decline and uncertain long-term prospects.