author(s)
Omveer Dhawal, Arnab Sarkar, Vivek Sharma, Shwetadri Bhandari and Puja Ray

abstract
Snakes are speedily declining around the world due to human mediated habitat loss and global environmental changes. Hence constant monitoring of their diversity and well being is necessary. During the present study under our Sarpa Sathi project, we surveyed for snake diversity using time-constrained search, incidental encounters around the Jawai Dam, Sumerpur, Pali, Rajasthan, India, for the first time. The area has been insufficiently documented in terms of biodiversity. During a study period of three years we identified a total of 23 species of snakes, belonging to 20 genera and 7 families. Among these Colubridae was the most abundant family with 12 representative species. 5 species are highly venomous and has been known for causing fatality in humans. 3 species are mildly venomous and has no known record of human casualty. Remaining 15 species are all non-venomous. The study indicate a decent diversity of snakes in the region and highlight on need for increased efforts towards conservation of these important members of food web.