Explore Herpetofauna and Reptiles of Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary

Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary is the treasure trove of biodiversity in the Terai region of Uttar Pradesh, and it has more to offer than the more popular tigers, elephants, and dolphins. The sanctuary also has an interesting diversity of herpetofauna- those that comprise reptiles and amphibians. Dense forests, wetlands, grasslands, and riverine ecosystems ensure that a wide variety of snakes, lizards, turtles, frogs, and crocodilians, which are the components of fauna, have found a good habitat here at Katarniaghat, thereby making it an important place of study and conservation in the herpetological field.

Among the most recognizable reptiles in Katarniaghat is the gharial (Gavialis gangeticus ), a highly endangered crocodilian, which takes shelter in Girwa River. The forest department has worked hard in conserving the gharial, and one of the last refuges of the gharial is the sanctuary. These fish-eating long-snouted creatures are visible basking along the river banks or gliding along during the day when the boat safari is in progress. Also present in the sanctuary are the mugger crocodiles (Crocodylus palustris), and these crocodiles are commonly found in ponds and slow-moving sections of the river.

The different types of freshwater turtles, such as the Indian roofed turtle, Indian tent turtle, and the Indian flapshell turtle, also use the sanctuary as a safe haven. These reptiles have a significant ecological role to play as they clean the water system by scavenging, and they are mostly seen around the wetland and marshy parts of Katarniaghat.

The list is impressive when it comes to snakes, as Katarniaghat includes both non-venomous and venomous ones. Saw-scaled viper, Russell viper, common krait, and spectacled cobra are the four most deadly snakes known as the Big Four among Indian snakes and are part of the wide fauna of the sanctuary. Rat snake, checkered keelback, and Indian python are some non-venomous species that inhabit here. The Indian rock python, particularly, is commonly encountered in forested regions and is renowned for being very large, coupled with slow and beautiful motions.

Found in Katarniaghat are a number of species of amphibians besides the reptiles, and these are commonly found on wet forest floors, riverbanks, and occasional pools during the time of monsoons. A common sight is frogs and toads, e.g., the Indian bullfrog, skittering frog, and common toad. Their existence shows that the ecosystem is in a healthy condition, detailed by the fact that amphibians are sensitive bio-indicators.

Katarniaghat boasts due to its diversity of ecosystems and accessibility of generally undisturbed habitats, making its herpetofauna rather rich. The sanctuary is usually a site frequented by conservationists and researchers who come to do some studies on the lesser-known yet ecologically important animals. Due to eco-tourism activities like night walks and nature interpretation trails, there is a gradual sensitization of the understanding of the significance of the reptiles and amphibians in the food web and balance in the ecosystem.

Summing up, Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary is an intense herpetofauna hotspot in northern India. The endangered Gharials, the pythons, and the vibrant amphibians that have proved to be misunderstood animals in most cases found a safe compound in the sanctuary. To wildlife lovers, herpetologists, and of course, nature photography explorers, a trip to Katarniaghat is a venture that will, in an ecstatic way, introduce you to the mysterious and wriggling world of reptiles and amphibians.