FAUNISTIC DIVERSITY OF SERPENTS (REPTILIA: SQUAMATA) IN NAVEGAON NATIONAL PARK OF NNTR MAHARASHTRA INDIA WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THEIR CONSERVATION

The Navegaon National Park is located on the undulating hills, which form the catchment of Itiadoh dam and Navegaon Bandh Lake. It covers an area of 133.88 sq km of pristine dry deciduous to moist deciduous forest. The area has special habitats like caves, cliffs, and thickets on gentle to steep slopes of hills which shelter variety of herpetofaunal species. This reserve is known for its rich diversity of endemic mammals and birds. Since its establishment in 1975, the faunal diversity of Navegaon National Park has been surveyed by wildlife scientists and nature lovers. A very little published literature is available on faunistic diversity of the park. Regardless of the high priority given to the forest in terms of legislation, the reserve is facing threats due to various human activities. This study investigates the faunistic diversity of snakes and also discusses the conservation approaches that would contribute the well being of serpent community of the park. Keywords: National Park, Serpents, NNTR, Conservation, Management.