Dear Aspirant,

I'm giving you a brief information on herpetological diversity of maharashtra :

The reptiles are one of the most important creatures of the animal kingdom and evolutionary linked between amphibians and birds. They are also important member of food chain as a predator and prey for the other animals (birds). They are voracious feeder of insect pests and other small mammals (Rodents) and keep the population of insect pests and non insect pests under check and balance the nature. The reptiles are including crocodiles, alligators, skinks, lizards, snakes, pythons and turtles live in the varied in habitat The Vidarbha region classified biogeographically as the Central Deccan Plateau and covers the districts of Amravati, Washim and Yavatmal. Topographically, the region is flat undulating terrain, devoid of any major hill ranges. The Satpura Range lies to the North of Vidarbha. The Melghat hills of Amravati district form the southern offshoot of the Satpura Range. The region has three main seasons: the wet monsoon and post-monsoon season from June to October, the cool dry winter from October to March and the hot dry season from April till the onset of rains in the beginning of June. The forest types found in this area are classified as sub-tropical hill forests, tropical moist deciduous forests and tropical dry deciduous forests. The Reptile fauna of 'Vidarbha' were investigated during the year March 2002 to December 2013. Random surveys were carried out in the all forest area as well as urban areas of Vidarbha. A total of 68 species of reptiles belonging to 16 families were recorded. Most reptiles recorded belong to the family Colubridae (11), followed by Geckonidae (09), Scincidae (05). Three species were recorded from Boidae and Agamidae. Two species were recorded from Lacertidae and Typhlopidae. One species was recorded from family Varanidae, Eublepharidae, Chameleonidae and Pythoniade. The important record of, Geckoella nebulosus, Ophisops bedomeii, coleognathus helena monticollaris, Antretium schistosum, Corronella branchyuria. Recent years it has been observed that the populations of reptiles are declining due to number of reasons, such as destruction of forest areas, habitat loss, illegal trades for skins and flesh, poaching, anthropogenic pressure and road kill by heavy traffic further adds to this loss. It is needed to save our reptile faunal diversity by taking all the possible protection measure.

Hope this will help you.