India is home to a vast diversity of snake species, making it one of the richest regions for snake biodiversity in the world. The country hosts over *300 species* of snakes, ranging from non-venomous species to highly venomous ones. This diverse snake fauna is distributed across the varied landscapes of India, including deserts, forests, wetlands, and urban areas.

Key Groups of Snakes in India:

1. **Venomous Snakes**:
**Indian Cobra (Naja naja)**: Part of the "Big Four" responsible for the majority of snakebite incidents in India.
**Russell's Viper (Daboia russelii)**: Known for its highly potent venom, this snake is widely distributed.
**Saw-scaled Viper (Echis carinatus)**: A small but aggressive snake with a potent hemotoxic venom.
**Common Krait (Bungarus caeruleus)**: Known for its neurotoxic venom, this species is nocturnal and highly dangerous.

2. **Non-venomous Snakes**:
**Indian Rock Python (Python molurus)**: A large constrictor found in grasslands and forests.
**Rat Snake (Ptyas mucosa)**: A common, fast-moving non-venomous snake found near human settlements.
**Checkered Keelback (Xenochrophis piscator)**: Often found near water bodies, feeding on amphibians and fish.

3. **Endemic Species**:
India also has several endemic snake species, such as the **King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah)**, which is the world’s longest venomous snake, and the **Andaman Cobra (Naja sagittifera)**, which is restricted to the Andaman Islands.

Conservation and Ecological Importance:
Snakes play a critical role in maintaining ecological balance by controlling pest populations like rodents. Despite their ecological importance, many snake species in India face threats from habitat loss, poaching for their skin, and human-wildlife conflict. The *Indian Wildlife Protection Act (1972)* offers legal protection to several snake species, particularly those under Schedule I, such as the King Cobra and Indian Python.

India's snake diversity reflects not just the richness of its ecosystems but also the cultural significance these reptiles hold in various traditions and folklore.

For detailed information on snake species and their habitats in India, sources like the *Madras Crocodile Bank* and *Indian Herpetological Society* are valuable resources.