First record of the Coral Red Kukri Snake Oligodon kheriensis (Reptilia: Squamata: Colubridae) from Bangladesh

Abstract

The Coral Red Kukri Snake Oligodon kheriensis is a rare and poorly known species; only a few specimens have been recorded so far since its first discovery in 1936. The species is endemic to the Himalayan tracts, previously reported only from northern India and Nepal. Here, we record and describe O. kheriensis for the first time from Bangladesh as a third country report, thereby extending its distribution range. We also elaborate on details of its morphometry along with a discussion on its ecological niche, global distribution, intraspecific geomorphological variation, current conservation aspects, and possible conservation strategies.