A red sand boa (Eryx johnii)—a non-venomous snake often mistaken for a two-headed reptile because of its blunt, head-like tail—was rescued from the premises of a five-star hotel in Cuffe Parade in September.

The snake was rescued by Anuj Khanvilkar, a volunteer with wildlife NGO SARRP India, before it could be harmed. The rescue also highlighted the threats faced by the species, which is frequently targeted by wildlife traffickers due to superstitious beliefs that it brings wealth and good fortune and has miraculous medicinal properties.