A rarely spotted Forsten’s cat snake was rescued near a forest chowki in Aarey, once again highlighting the rich biodiversity of the forest. The species is the second-largest among cat snakes and is mildly venomous.

Aarey resident and wildlife volunteer Prasad Khandagale of NGO Wildlife Welfare Association (WWA) said he received a call from a forest department staffer on June 17 about a snake at risk of being killed while crossing a road.