Snakes are vertebrates, lacking limbs, with their bodies being covered by scales. Like other reptiles, snakes are cold blooded animals, and cannot regulate their body temperature on their own. Snakes are found in a variety of habitats- on trees, bushes, rocks, water, on the ground and underground. Some snakes are diurnal while others are nocturnal. However, being cryptic, secretive creatures, they remain largely unseen. Snakes are carnivorous reptiles, and feed on both vertebrates and invertebrates. They hunt their prey using sight and smell for which they use their tongues. India has over 279 species of snakes, most of which are non-venomous. This database covers 38 species of snakes that are found in the state of Madhya Pradesh.Snakes are often reviled by humans, despite them causing them little harm; in fact by controlling the rodents population, snakes do humans a great service. It is important to note that snakes are not dangerous and are unlikely to bite unless disturbed or threatened. Snakes are an indicator of the health of the environment. They deserve all the protection they can get.