Karnataka: Follow manual when rescuing snakes, says forest department

BENGALURU: As more and more youngsters are claiming to be snake rescuers across the state, the forest department on Monday announced it would streamline and validate these rescuers besides institutionalising the practice of snake rescue. The department has also brought out a detailed operational manual prepared by acclaimed herpetologists for certified snake catchers.

While all of India witnesses 4-5 lakh cases of snakebite annually, making it the snakebite capital of the world, Karnataka reports 10,000 to 15,000, according to the health and family welfare department.

In fact, Bengaluru and Belagavi divisions have reported the highest incidents of snakebite every year, calling for scientific handling of rising cases of human-snake conflict.

Going ahead, the department wants to conduct training and certification programmes for rescuers. In Bengaluru alone, there are an estimated 1,500 snake rescuers, charging between Rs 500 and Rs 2,000 per rescue.

Planning to oversee the rescue activities and rein in self-proclaimed snake catchers, the department in collaboration with the Humane Society International, India has roped in eminent herpetologists such as Padma Shri Romulus Whitaker, Gerard Martin, and Sumanth Bindumadhav for drafting guidelines and a detailed operational manual.

“The guidelines and certification programmes are the need of the hour in Karnataka. We’ll soon launch this programme systematically to recognise, validate and certify all well-intentioned rescuers across Karnataka and set an example to other states,” principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife) Vijaykumar Gogi said.

Big 4 snakes of state
Out of the 18 families of snake known worldwide, Karnataka is home to 10. However, only a few snakes are important to rescuers. The ‘big four’ venomous snakes of Karnataka are the spectacled cobra, common krait, Russell’s viper, and saw-scaled viper.



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