Baby sand boas make Hoshiarpur forests their new home

CHANDIGARH: After much planning and contemplation, Chhatbir Zoo has finally given 36 baby sand boas their first brush with freedom by releasing them in the jungles of Hoshiarpur district on late Friday evening. The zoo was planning to release the sand boas during the Wildlife Week in early October but could not do so since a decision could not be made regarding a secure habitat for these reptiles.

According to sources, two female sand boas that were recovered from Ludhiana in June had given birth to 37 babies. Out of these, one baby sand boa had died last month due to weakness. Zoo authorities had received a permission to release the sand boas from chief judicial magistrate (CJM), Ludhiana, during the first week of October. Chhatbir had been directed to form a committee to decide over a secure location for the baby reptiles.

Speaking to TOI, chief wildlife warden, Punjab, Gurbaz Singh stated that the committee was formed only last week. The panel decided that Hoshiarpur forest area would be the most suitable habitat for these sand boas. “Initially, we had thought of Shiwalik hills and Ropar forest area. We decided to go for Hoshiarpur forests since it is an ideal habitat for reptiles. Earlier, the zoo was also planning to keep the sand boas for display but decided otherwise keeping in mind the fact that they could be targeted by the smugglers again,” Gurbaz Singh added.

Big brother out in jungle
Chhatbir has also released an adult sand boa along with these 36 baby boas. Khanna police had recovered the reptile from a smuggler last month and the reptile was kept under court custody. A permission was given by the court to release the sand boa few days ago.