Distribution of Cantor’s Kukri snake Oligodon cyclurus (Cantor, 1839) (Squamata: colubridae) in Bhutan

Abstract

This paper provides the distribution and morphometric measurements, along with locality information, of Oligodon cyclurus in Bhutan through the study of five specimen n=5 collected from 2016 to 2021. As a Least Concern (LC) species that is little known in the locality, the species faces threats from the community. The study suggests  that awareness campaigns for local people, especially the younger generation, on the role of Oligodon cyclurus’ in the ecosystem must be conducted in order to protect the species. Further studies about its distribution pattern, population status, and molecular identity are direly needed.