By Anoopa Mathews | Project Coordinator
Snake fatalities in India remain a critical issue, impacting both human and wildlife populations. Home to a rich variety of snake species, including the venomous Indian cobra, common krait, Russell's viper, and saw-scaled viper (the "Big Four"), India sees around 50,000 snakebite-related deaths annually—representing a significant portion of global fatalities. Factors such as densely populated rural areas, where farming activities bring people into close contact with snakes, and limited access to timely medical care contribute to these high numbers.
In September, a SARPA (Snake Awareness, Rescue, and Protection App) volunteer in Trivandrum, Kerala, was bitten by a cobra while releasing it in Kallar Forest. Experts note that this is a season when the “Big Four” tend to venture out from their burrows. Additionally, climate change is impacting snakes' life cycles, with highly venomous species now laying eggs earlier. In response, TIES, in partnership with the Kerala State Forest and Wildlife Department, is distributing snake rescue kits to certified rescuers throughout Kerala. Recently, 26 snake rescue kits were provided to certified rescuers in Alappuzha and Idukki districts.
In the past six months, SARPA Volunteers have rescued nearly 500 snakes across Kottayam, Ernakulam, and Idukki, safeguarding over 2,000 residents. Notable rescues include a cobra discovered under a sofa and another from a kitchen late at night in Kottayam, and a venomous hump-nosed pit viper safely removed in Chirakkadavu. Volunteers have also freed snakes trapped in nets. Local residents are increasingly involved, contacting rescuers even for non-venomous snakes. Frequent hiding spots for snakes include kitchens, sofas, helmets, open wells, wall shelves, cupboards, and nets. Volunteers also provide safety guidance to the community when handling issues arise.
A recent experience shared by a volunteer highlights the challenges of snake identification:
“Today, we encountered a large spectacled cobra with faint markings. People initially thought it was a rat snake and tried to chase it away. Only after safely handling it and revealing its hood did they believe it was a cobra. Some snakes have slight variations, and attempting to handle them without training or proper identification can be dangerous.”
Snakes play an essential role in maintaining ecosystem balance as symbols of resilience and transformation. Protecting them is, ultimately, a way of protecting ourselves.
We invite you to join us in this unique conservation effort.
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