Habitat preference of Pit Vipers along the Western Ghats (Goa)

Abstract

Intensive survey on foot was carried out during Jan to Dec 2005 in the Western Ghat region of Goa specially the sanctuaries rpentioned above, Netravali wildlife sanctuary and Cotigao wildlife sanctuary Bondla wildlife sanctuary, Mollem wildlife sanctuary, Mhadei wildlife sanctuary and the possible habitats of pit vipers were recorded. Locality coordinates were obtained by hand held Geographical Positioning System (GPS). Altitude and temperature were recorded using altimeter and mercury thermometer respectively. Specimens were picked up with the wooden stick. Their morphometric measurements were recorded using transparent plastic tube and Identification of these specimens up to the species level was done following the methodology of Smith and Daniel. Habitat preference of vipers was studied by direct observation of the places where they occur.