Two sand boas miss monsoon in Chhatbir

CHANDIGARH: For these two sand boas, who have been in Chhatbir veterinary hospital for past one year, there seems to be no way of wriggling around the laws of man. They are not able to enjoy the monsoon as they cannot be released because they were recovered from smugglers in Khanna and Ludhiana and are considered case property. Rainy season tends to be a good time for reptiles, however, these boas are not getting to see that.Veterinarians said they were keeping the pair under constant observation.
‘‘They are kept in a wooden box that is covered with an iron grid. Sand is also kept at the bottom of the box so the boas are comfortable. It is changed every week and mainitaining humidity for the boas is a tough task,’’ said a member of the caretaking staff. He added that the pair was lazy as most reptiles tended to be and they were missing the rain. ‘‘They are provided a diet of insects and worms, ‘’ added a veterinarian.
A member of Animal Management Board at the zoo said, ‘‘As the sand boas are case property, a security team is deployed to keep check. Only staff members are allowed to look at them. Three of the staff are responsible for the boas’ health.’’ Wildlife experts said the boa pair should be released now as the ongoing season was best for that. ‘‘These reptiles are used to spending time 3-4 feet underground.
Their hibernation period will start in October. Due to their legal status, these creatures are being kept in captivity and authorities must make efforts so they can be released. If court allows that, it would work well for wildlife conservation,’’ said wildlife expert Nikhil Sangar. Chief wildlife warden of Punjab Gurbaz Singh stated they had been sending repeated reminders to the court to release the pair, but the reply was still awaited. ‘‘We can’t release them till court approves that. We are trying our best but there are some legal barriers to their independence,’’ he added.