Matheran's stone walls taking away habitat of reptiles, say naturalists

A bamboo pit viper, one of the snake species sighted in Matheran. Pic/Omkar Patil

As the MMRDA has started developmental work in Matheran, which involves the construction of trails and beautification of various points, wildlife lovers and experts feel that the laying of stone walls and chain-link fences around them will cause hurdles for reptiles wanting to cross from one side to the other.

Experts say the walls provide cover for small reptiles but also hinder the movement of several other species

Four viewing points have been included in the development work - Panorama, Myra, Heart and Echo and 60 per cent of work has been completed after securing permissions from the National Green Tribunal (NGT), the Matheran Monitoring Committee, Forest department and the Matheran Municipal Council.

Naturalist and wildlife lover Omkar Patil said, "The wall has led to habitat loss for animals which a layperson does not realise. The snakes which rely on camouflage are exposed and we have seen Bamboo pit vipers and vine snakes hanging on such railings. With their cover blown off, they find less food and have reduced lifespans. They are also exposed to poachers."

Also read: Sluggish Pace Of Road Works Irks Matheran Locals

'Know the innate beauty'
Wildlife lovers have also claimed that modernisation over the years and the new walls have reduced sightings of frogs and snakes. "Matheran is more than just a toy train, lodges and horse rides. It's a beautiful habitat which should be protected. Its inclusion in the Eco-Sensitive Zone is important and so is getting people aware of its innate beauty," Patil said.

Matheran reptiles: A cat snake catches a prey; (right) a bronzeback tree snake. Pics: Omkar Patil

Snake species found in Matheran include Saw-Scaled viper, Common krait, Spectacled Cobra, Checkered keelback, Buff striped keelback, Russell's viper, green vine snake and slender coral snake. Amphibians sighted in the area include Indian bullfrog, common Indian toads including Skittering frog, cricket frogs, Narrow-mouthed frogs, etc. While gecko species include the Banded gecko, Rock gecko, Roux's forest lizard. Various species of skinks are also found.

A leaping frog in Matheran. Pic: Omkar Patil