Wildlife diversity of the Padma River islands, Rajshahi, Bangladesh with special notes on operation of sand snake (Psammophis condanarus) (Reptilia: Squamata: Lamprophiidae)

Abstract

The islands of the river Padma of Rajshahi district, Bangladesh is rich in various plants and wild animals and adorned with natural beauty. Here, wildlife is facing severe threats due to constant river erosion, flood, and human-environment conflict. Poor communication system and lack of stable land, the Padma islands have been considered one of the safest zones for wildlife. Despite the remoteness of the area, a few insufficient and scattered research works have been done previously. In the present study, we found three plants, six snakes, eight birds, one frog, one wild animal (evident by its footprint), and the presence of a yock. Most importantly, our dissected sand snake (Psammophis condanarus) was anesthetized by using Ketamine Hydrochloride bp in live conditions which might be the first record in Bangladesh, so far. Later, we took fresh liver tissues (multiple about 5 x 5 x 5 mm pieces) from this dissected snake and fixed them separately in 99.5% ethanol. Furthermore, the whole specimen of P. condanarus was also preserved in 99.5% ethanol for further morphological and genetic analyses. This article gives a brief overview of the beautiful wildlife ecosystems that have developed in the remote areas of the Padma River islands in the Rajshahi region as well as to acquire knowledge about the complete operating system i.e., removal of liver from the lives sand snake.