Snakes are an integral part of nature and play a significant role in the ecosystem. They can be found worldwide, and Pakistan is no exception.

There are 67 species of snakes in Pakistan. This number includes both venomous and non-venomous snakes. However, most snakes in Pakistan are non-venomous except for a few species. The most common venomous snakes in Pakistan are the Indian cobra and Russell’s viper.

This article will highlight some of the most prominent snakes in Pakistan, including the Brahminy blind snake, Oriental rat snake, Indian python, and Indian sand boa. So, let’s dive into the world of Pakistan’s snakes.

1. Indian Cobra

The Indian cobra, or Naja naja, is a native species to the Indian subcontinent. It originated in Asia but is widely found in Pakistan, Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh, and Nepal. These Cobras can grow up to 5 feet (1.5 meters) long and live for about 24 years on average.

This cobra species is among the four most commonly responsible for inflicting bites on humans in Pakistan and India. The frequency of attacks makes it very important for those within its natural range to identify this animal, as they are highly venomous.

The Indian cobra is unique because the snake flares its large hood when it feels scared or threatened. 

Usually, these snakes will hide in places like holes in the ground, tree trunks, termite mounds, rock piles, and mammal dens. They typically feed on small mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.

2. Russell’s Viper

Russell’s Viper, or Daboia russelii, is one of Pakistan’s four most common venomous snakes responsible for bites that can be fatal to humans.

These snakes can reach lengths between 4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 meters) and usually have a deep yellow, tan, or brown color with three dark brown spots running down their body. Each dark spot has a black ring around it, outlined by either white or yellow. 

These snakes are commonly found in plains, lowlands near the coast, and hills and can live up to 15 years.

Of all the venomous snakes found in Pakistan, Russell’s Vipers are said to be responsible for causing the most snake bite incidents among all venomous snakes.

3. Brahminy Blind Snake

Indotyphlops braminus, or the Brahminy blind snake, is a tiny snake found in Africa and Asia and is non-venomous. Measuring an average length of only 2-4 inches (5-10 centimeters), they remain the smallest known snake species worldwide.

Due to their earthworm-like physical appearance, they are often mistaken for those animals. Interestingly, unlike worms, these snakes have both similarly shaped heads and tails, with their head scales resembling body scales. 

Their typical coloring is charcoal gray, silver-gray, light yellow-beige, and purplish. Still, albino coloring does exist on rare occasions.

Generally speaking, the bottom surface of these snakes contains a paler pigment than the top, and light-sensitive scales usually cover their tiny eyes. However, it has been suggested that they can still distinguish between light and dark tones despite this sensory handicap.

4. Oriental Ratsnake

The Oriental rat snake, Ptyas mucosa, is a reptile that would likely interest many. Found in South and Southeast Asia, these medium-sized snakes can grow up to 7 feet (2 meters) long and live up to 11 years old. 

The coloration of these snakes varies depending on their habitat. They may be pale brown in dryer regions or nearly black in moist forest areas. 

This species is non-venomous and preys on rodents found around urbanized areas.

If the Oriental rat snake feels threatened by an intruder, it can become territorial and exhibit behaviors such as growling and puffing up its neck. Sometimes, the adult will bite if someone tries to capture it.

5. Indian Python

Indian pythons, Python molurus, are formidable predators that inhabit tropical regions in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. These giant non-venomous snakes grow up to 21 feet (6.4 meters) and can weigh as much as 200 pounds (90 kilograms), living for a whopping 30 years.

Additionally, these creatures display various colors depending on their environment – from whitish or yellowish with blotched patterns in shades of tan to dark brown. Interestingly enough, their dull colors act as a helpful camouflage among the trees and shrubs of their dense forest homelands.

Not only that, but they also demonstrate an impressive aptitude for climbing and can be spotted hanging off branches often. Indian pythons are also expert swimmers – sometimes quickly taking to the water.

6. Indian Sand Boa

The Indian sand boa, Eryx johnii, is a beautifully distinctive snake species whose average life span is between 14-20 years and can grow up to 30 inches (75 centimeters).

With a larger wedge-shaped head, smaller nostrils, and eyes, these snakes have adapted well to burrowing in their natural habitat of dry, semi-desert scrub plains and rocky foothills. 

The Indian sand boa is cylindrical in shape with smooth dorsal scales, and the tail isn’t distinct from the rest of its body, as it appears rounded and truncated.

Also, these snakes come in shades of reddish-brown to dull yellow-tan coloration and are non-venomous. Indian sand boas are solitary creatures that live underground, feeding mainly on mammals such as rats, mice, and small rodents.

7. Caspian Cobra

The Caspian Cobra, known by its scientific name Naja oxiana, is a venomous snake throughout Central Asia. 

Growing up to 3 feet (1 meter) in length and typically featuring light to chocolate brown or yellowish colors, these cobras live solitary lives in arid and semi-arid regions.

The rocky or stony foothills covered with scrub vegetation of such environments are precisely what these snakes prefer when looking for protection from predators. 

The Caspian Cobra is a dangerous creature that should be avoided. If provoked, the cobra will spread its hood and strike repeatedly. 

These snakes are carnivores, and their diet consists primarily of small mammals, amphibians, and birds. They mainly eat rodents, toads, frogs, fish, birds, and bird eggs.

8. Checkered Keelback

The Checkered keelback, or Fowlea piscator, is a native species of Asia and can reach lengths of 3-4 feet (1-1.2 meters). These snakes are often found near freshwater sources such as lakes, rivers, ponds, and marshes.

They remain close to the water’s edge and seldom venture far away. The Checkered keelback, when feeling threatened, will try to look bigger by lifting its head and expanding the skin around its neck.

Inevitably if this strategy does not work, they are known to bite fiercely or shed their tail – a defense mechanism sometimes used by reptiles. This snake is non-venomous and relies on constriction to kill its prey.

9. Indian Wolf Snake

The Indian wolf snake, scientifically known as Lycodon aulicus, is an exciting reptile commonly growing to 28 inches (71 centimeters) in length. 

While coloration can vary widely among this non-venomous species, they are found across Pakistan, Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Myanmar.

As solitary creatures, they tend to prefer shrubland and forests with plenty of hiding spots during their nocturnal activities – which often include exploring areas like gardens or plantations during the night.

Most notably, if threatened by an animal or human, these alert snakes will defend themselves using their sharp “fangs” to latch onto the threat. Despite these defensive behaviors, Indian wolf snakes remain shy if given enough space to feel safe.