1

SNAKES : Myths & FactsSantosh Takale

Takale Charitable Trust, Shirdhon, Panvel,Raigad, Maharashtra, India – 410206.

English Copy

2

Acknowledgement & Preface

The word snake itself, creates fear in people’s mind. Many renowned snake lovers &Herpetologists have written number of good informative books on snakes & relatedissues to spread awareness about these beautiful species; this book is also a similarattempt. It gives me immense pleasure to present you this book, which is goodmixture of my own experiences & few important referrals from these books. Theprime intent of this book is to eradicate all myths, among masses regarding snakes.But I have also added some information on how to identify snake, precautions toavoid snake bite, first aid after snake bite and very importantly, I have mentioned fewreferences which can be referred for detailed information on the snakes. Thesereferences are as below.

As far as translation from Marathi to English, typing, proof reading, editing, printing ofthis book is concerned, I have received great help from my wife Vaishali.

This book is for free of cost circulation. If you like this book then you arerequested to kindly donate at least Rs. 30/- to any Social Organisation.

saMdBa- : KalaIla sava- saMdBa-gaM`qaaMcao saMkotsqaLaMcao¸ saMsqaacao va vya@tIMcao AamhI ?NaI Aahaot.

1. saMdBa-gaMqa À pustko Áa. Aaplyaa BaartatIla saap ­ raomyaulasa vhITokr ³ Anauvaad ­ maa$tI icatmapllaI ´b. sap-iva&ana ­ ]lhasa zakUrc. saapaMivaYayaI ­ Ja[- AaiNa rama vhITokr ³Anauvaad ­ vasaMt iSarvaaDkr´d. SNAKES ­ inailamakumaar KOro.

2. Websites À saMkotsqaL Á

1. http//www.indiansnakes.org 4. http//www.indianherps.org2. http//www.landofthewild.com 5. http//www.naturfoto.cz3. http//www.arkive.org 6. en.wikipedia.org7. You tube Channel & Knowledge Hour video by Santosh Takale

http://www.youtube.com/user/TakaleSantoshhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xE1ss_p09sw

3. vya@tI À saMsqaa Á

1. Nilimkumar Khaire 3. Ashok Captain 5. Raju Mumbaikar & CON, Veshvi.2. Ulhas Thakur 4. Kailas Darule 6. Wild Explorer, Panvel.

Santosh Takale.

3

Content

Sr. No. Description Pg

1. Front page 1

2. Acknowledgment & Preface. 2

3. References, Websites, Links & Credits. 2

4. Content 3

5. Introduction to Snake world. 4

6. Classification of Snakes. 5

7. Importance of Snakes. 6

8. General - Snake : Myths & Facts. 6

9. Precautions to avoid Snake bites. 11

10. Do’s & Don’ts for close encounter with Snake bite. 12

11. Must Do’s, after Snake bite. 12

12. Law’s for Snake Protection. 13

13. Basic steps to identify the Snakes. 13

14.Venomous Snakes – Spectacled, Monocled, King Cobra,Krait, Russell’s, Saw Scaled, Bamboo pit Viper, Coral &Sea Snake.

13

15.

Semi Venomous Snakes – Vine Snake, Cat Snake,Ornate Flying Snake, Glossy Marsh Snake, Sand Snake,Glossy Belied Racer, Dog Faced water Snake & IndianEgg Eater.

21

16.

Non Venomous Snakes – Stripped, Chequered, GreenKeelback, Python, Common & Red Sand Boa, BandedRacer, Wolf Snake, Kukari, Bronze Back, Trinket, BlackHeaded, Shieldtail, Royal, File & Worm Snake.

25

17. Attending Snake rescue call – Care & Precaution. 34

18. World famous venomous snakes - not found in India. 36

19. The eminent personalities, who worked for cause relatedto this field. 44

20. List of various free lectures by Santosh Takale 46

21. About the Author & Takale Charitable Trust 47

4

Introduction to Snake World:

Snakes are among few, most ancient species born on our earth. Their way of life to adjustwith environment around them, has ensured their existence till date. Surprisingly exceptpolar region, snakes are found around every nuke and corner of the world. There are morethan 3000 species of snakes found in world. India is home for more than 275 species.Among these 52 numbers of species are venomous and 40 of them are sea dwellers. It’shappy to note that very few snakes around our habitat are venomous. This mainly consist of‘Cobra, Krait, Russell’s Viper & Saw Scale Viper’ famously known as “Big-4”. Snakes are‘ectotherms - cold blooded animals which means that their body temperature is controlled byexternal means. They cannot bear extreme cold & hot temperatures. Surroundingtemperature of 80C to 450C suits to their survival. As ingested food is not consumed inmaintaining body temperature, snakes can survive long without food. In captive, few pythonshave survived without food for more than two to two and half years. As such they are verycontented species & they eat only when it’s required, but do need lot of water, as 70 % oftheir body weight is constituted of water, it is essential for their survival. In case of scarcity ofwater they use body fluid in their prey to satisfy their water need.

Because of their ability to camouflage with surrounding, we don’t see snakes very oftenthough they are available in plenty around us. Due to the absence of sweat glands, snakesdiscard their external skin regularly to get rid of waste products from body. The process iscalled “moulting” & for adult snake it repeats in 2-3 months. For young one’s the change overperiod is smaller. New born shed their 1st skin in 2 days. After moulting snake gets back itsfresh & glowing look. The scales on snake’s body keep their skin dry. Scales protect snakesfrom ultraviolet & infrared rays. It’s the main means to assist their movement. As sea snakedoes not have scales they are not able to move on land.

Snakes have their own tactics to protect themselves. Normally they hide or camouflagethemselves and try not to have any face to face confrontation with intruder. But occasionallyif such incident occurs they prefer to flee, sometimes they display their anger by makingfrightening hissing sound or displaying hood in case of cobra, some make their body or neckflat, take attacking posture & make pseudo bites. Sometimes they even encircle & lie downas if they are dead. If caught, then they secrete foul smell or waste or even omit. In case nooption left, they attack & bite. It’s important to note that, they do not have any well plannedgame plan or revenge feeling when they bite humans.

All snakes have eyes, tongue, skin, teeth, tail etc. Certain snakes like Python, Bamboo PitViper are having thermo receptor pits. These are situated in between eyes & nostrils.Snakes do not have external ears, hence they cannot hear, they can sense mechanicalvibrations through their body which reach to them from ground on which they are resting.Snakes have monocular vision except few species like Cobra, Vine snake etc. Tree dwellingsnakes have bigger eyes & better eye sight compare to other snakes. Most of the diurnalsnakes which are active in day time have round & bigger eye pupil whereas nocturnalsnakes have vertical pupil. The opening is adjusted as per the brightness of light insurroundings. Snakes do not have eye lids & the protection of eye is taken care bytransparent membrane. It is a common misconception that snakes move very fast. Oncontrary the average speed does not exceed 7 kms/hr & highest possible speed is around12 to 15 kms/hr by African Black Mamba.

5

The snake has long, slender tongue divided at tip, it has inbuilt capability to pick up odour allaround & make it reach to Jacobson’s organ situated in upper jaw. For this purpose tongueis always kept little wet. The small slot is available in top & bottom lip, even when they aretightly closed. This facilitates tongue movement without opening mouth. The colouration oftongue varies with snakes & their habitation. It is certain that tongue is used more than thenostrils itself, in case of snakes to detect the odour. Some snakes use their tail or tongue tolure their prey.

Classification of the snakes:

Snakes can be classified based on the shapes of their head, tail, scales, eye pupil, bodyshapes & length, movement style, place of dwelling/habitat, breeding behaviour, food habits(prey), etc. But main classification can be made based on their capacity to produce venom.This categorization is very important for common people, as their bite can endanger humanlife. On these grounds there are three main types:

1. Non Venomous Snake: These snakes do not possess venom glands or fangs. Theirteeth are curved inwards to grasp & push the prey inside mouth. Their bite does notendanger human life. viz. Keel back, Rat snake, Python, Boa, Trinket, Racer etc.

2. Semi venomous snakes: These snakes do have mild venom & fangs located at theback or front of the upper jaw but quantity & quality of the venom is just enough tounconscious or kill the prey. The effect on human being is not severe. Its bite does notendanger human life. viz. Vine Snake, Ornate Flying Snake, Cat Snake, Sand Snakeetc.

Both the above categories of snakes are available in plenty and are killed because of ourlack of knowledge & mostly irrational fear about them.

3. Venomous Snake: Venomous snakes have venom glands connected internally tofangs, which deliver venom to prey’s body during bite of these snakes. Venom makesprey unconscious or sometimes kill instantaneously & as a latter effect dissolves the preyto smoothen its digestion. Venom of these snakes is harmful, toxic to human bodysystem and can kill human beings in the absence of proper medication. viz. Cobra, KraitViper, Sea Snakes etc.

Snakes can be further categorized based on their habitat. Worm Snakes, Sand Boa, ShieldTail burrow themselves under ground. Vine Snakes, Bamboo Pit Viper, Bronze Back, OrnateFlying Snake dwell on tree. Keel backs, Sea snakes are found in water, whereas StrippedKeel back, Rat Snakes, Python prefer humid, dark, bushes on land. Krait, Cobra capturesother’s hole or burrow.

The snakes which are active in day time are diurnal snakes and their eye pupils are round.viz. Rat snakes. The snakes active during right time are nocturnal viz. Cat snakes, and theireye pupils are vertical, whereas Vine snake is exception to all these and having specialfeature of horizontal eye pupil.

Snakes have two methodology of reproduction, some reproduce by giving birth to youngone’s directly (Ovo-viviparous) viz. Viper, Vine Snake, Boa etc. or few variety of them layegg (Oviparous) viz. Cobra, Krait, Python, Rat Snake, etc. which hatch after incubation

6

period. Some new born have egg tooth to break open the egg cover. Some of the femaletake care of eggs till they hatch. To extreme case King Cobra female builds even nest for hereggs.

Snakes also can be categorized based on their technique to move. Long, slender bodiedsnake like Rat snake, Cobra, make ‘S’ like body shape while they move. Whereas Python,Russelll’s viper lift up their middle portion of body & move forward. Saw Scaled viper orsome desert snake move by side winding.

Snakes feed themselves on variety of non vegetarian food i.e. Toads, rats, mice, geckos,frogs, lizards, birds, insects, fishes, eggs etc. Few of them like Krait, King Cobra eat theirown breeds also.

Snakes do have lot of enemy; there are few species which feed themselves on snakeseg. Owl, peacock, kite, eagle, hawk, mongoose, etc. But human beings are their worst andmost powerful enemies. Lack of true, scientific information, many mis-beliefs, unknown fearand self-centered, money minded businesses by human beings are the reasons for snakekilling.

Usefulness of snakes / Why & How snakes are important ?

Rat like species and similar grass dwelling insect’s damage farming lot. Rat alone can eat orspoil around 25-30% of domestic farm / Agricultural products. The fact has been confirmedby many Nature scientists & Nature lovers like Dr. Salim Ali. Snakes feed themselves onrats. Rats have tremendous reproduction rate. One pair of them can give birth to 850 youngone’s per year. Single Rat snake eats hundreds of rats per year. Snakes also help us inreducing other grass dwelling insects & mosquito which are troublesome to our health &cause nuisance to our surrounding. Snakes are better & effective means to catch or kill therats and insects, than using man made traps and techniques. Thus snakes are importantelement of food chain and indirectly help lot, to maintain Eco-balance.

Further, the snake venom is a useful material. It contains many other valuable elementsalong with few toxic substances. These useful elements are separated and used in many ofmedicines. Hameourages, mainly in the ovaries, eye pupil are treated by using RussellViper’s venom, as it has got ability to clot the blood. Similarly, Cobra venom is used inmedicine which acts as severe pain killer for arthritis, asthama, etc. Last but not the least,snake venom is used to manufacture anti snake venom injections. These ASV’s are the onlyeffective & assured means to treat the venomous snake bite.

Snake myths & facts (General) :

In today’s date also, most of the well known, prevailing things about snakes are based onimaginative folk tales & ancestral religious stories. The truth or scientific information is stillmissing among masses. This fact is applicable to all aspects like snake bite, theirtemperament (wickedness), habitats & off course remedies on snake bites. The paradox isthat, in some of Asian countries including India, there are snake temples, people worshipsnakes on particular day but due to lack of right information & fear they also kill snakesbrutally, whether it’s venomous or non venomous. Lack of real information gives birth to

7

many superstitions, which are related to religion, ancestral literature or heard information.Baba, Mantrik, Snake charmers also add few terrorising stories to this epic, just to earn theirlively hood or make some money.

There are myths attached to each variety of snake, but let’s start with general myths whichkeeps haunting these beautiful species.

1] All snakes are venomous. Their bite kills human being.

Fact :- As already discussed, very few snakes are venomous and by proper training & study,identification is not difficult. The venomous snake bites are curable by proper & timelymedication.

2] Snakes like to drink milk, as it’s their food.

Fact :- Snakes are from reptile family and are carnivorous. Milk is not snake’s food, and itaffects their body system adversely. When we see snakes, available with snake charmerstaking sip of milk, the fact as different. These snakes take milk as water, since they are keptin captive in very treacherous condition, without water & food for long by their owners-thesnake charmers. Further we add to their misery by offering them milk as its question of ourreligious beliefs.

3] Snakes suck milk from cow or buffalos, for this they tie their body around cow’s orbuffalo’s leg to restrict her movement.

Fact :- As already mentioned milk is not snake’s food. Further snake’s teeth are very sharpand their bite is piercing & quite painful which animal can’t bear just like that. In totality themyth is just baseless fiction.

4] Snakes like music, specially tune of snake charmer.

Fact :- Snakes do not have External ears, hence they can’t hear sound coming from air butthey sense vibrations received by their body. Swaying movement of snake to charmer’s tuneis actually it’s attempt to locate the moving object –“gourd flute [Bin/pungi]” used by charmerto produce music. This act of snake is its instinct of self defense, that’s why many timessnake tries to bite that object, which we intentionally overlook.

5] Whistling or uttering announcing ‘snake’ word at evening or night time bringssnake home.

Fact :- This is myth for sure. As already explained, snake can’t hear sound propagatingthrough air. Moreover their brain is not developed enough to understand music or humanlanguages.

6] Snakes like fragrance & hence they dwell on flowery plants like `Kevada’[pandanus], ‘Rat-Rani’ & ‘Chafa’.

Fact :- The snake have ability to smell & they are really very good at it. But their interest ismuch confined to finding prey & protecting themselves from enemy. The truth is that abovementioned plants are flowery with brilliant fragrance which attracts many insects, butterflieswhich in turn brings in their predators like lizards, geckos, etc. which is off course irresistibleinvitation for snakes to feed & hide, as these plants provide snake, suitable shelter /accommodation too. It doesn’t mean that snakes like fragrance.

8

7] Snake hypnotise or make human being ill by their magical powers.

Fact :- Snakes are just one type of living species, they do not have any magical powers,neither do they hypnotise anybody. But as they do not have eye lids, their eyes are openforever without any intermittent blinking. Additionally their split tongue keeps shuttling in &out through a slot provided in closed jaws. Close view of this sight is really mesmerizing &fear shocked person may describe this as if he has been hypnotised by snake.

8] Snakes take well planned revenge on person, family or group of people who haveknowingly or unknowingly caused any trouble to them or their mates.

Fact :- Snake’s brain is not well developed, it weighs around or less than 1% of their totalbody weight. Brain mainly controls their body functions. Overall intelligence, memoryincluding their eye sight is very weak/poor. In this context, to remember person, follow them,chuck down the revenge plan are impossible things for snakes. Many snakes leave theirpartner immediately after mating & few even eat their partners after mating, if they arehungry.

9] Snakes offer blessing & fulfill human wishes on worshiping them.

Fact :- Snakes doesn’t have sufficient intelligence to understand the ritualistic performancesor offerings. They themselves are species in danger. Few of their varieties are alreadyextinct. In such a scenario, expecting them to fulfill human being’s selfish, unwanted, selfcentered wishes is undoubtedly beyond their understanding & capability.

10] Snake protect the treasure or ancestral properties.

Fact :- Snake prefer to hide themselves to protect them from their predators. Old ancestralplaces are best location in this context. Also metallic or wooden boxes or earthen pots withsmall openings kept in underground area or store room provide easy access, suiting climate& undisturbed stay to snakes. Sometimes, they follow their prey to such location. These allabove facts must have given birth to this misconception. As such except human beings, noother specie on earth is interested in anything like, gold, ornament, treasures, which are notessential for livelihood.

11] Snakes take rebirth or after many births snake can fly or can take any form as pertheir will.

Fact :- Snakes discard outer layer of their skin, the processing is called moulting & intendedto discard waste product from snake’s body . The snake’s appearance or looks, just before &after moulting is remarkably different. Before it looks as if it’s sick & about to die, whereasafter moulting it looks fresh, rejuvenated & sharp. This must have been reason to spreadmyth of rebirth. As such rebirth is superstition for all living beings & same is case withsnakes.

Also snakes do not fly, but few types among these species, mainly ornate flying snake ortree snakes, glide using wind flow & adjusting their body shape. But that jump is just fewmeters not like kilometers as we visualize or shown in films about flying snakes.

In context of taking any form by snakes after sufficient existence on earth, it seems to beimpossible as snakes are the oldest habitants of our earth & if this would have beenpossible, by this time all of them must have got converted to human form or something better

9

than that, to teach human lesson for their irresponsible behaviour with nature & itsconstituents.

12] Venomous snakes become non-venomous when they are in water or non-venomous water snakes become venomous when they are on land.

Fact :- Venomous snakes are born with venom glands and venom injecting fangs, whereasnon-venomous snakes do not have these features since birth. This special feature does nothave any relation with their presence over land or water, as venomous snake remainvenomous throughout their life & non venomous remain non venomous. It should be notedthat sea snakes are the most venomous snakes, though they live in water only.

13] If snake is killed, its new ones are born from its blood.

Fact : - Some snakes are oviparous, means they lay eggs, from which young ones emergeafter incubation period is over. Others are ovo-viviparous means eggs are incubated inmother’s body to give birth to young ones directly. So taking birth from blood is pure myth.

14] Dead or killed snake become alive, if kerosene is sprinkled on its dead body.

Fact :- If kerosene comes in contact with fresh wound it causes tremendous pain & hencein response, almost dead snake shows feeble movement. But this is momentaryphenomenon & this does not bring dead snake to life.

15] Snakes blessed by god posess hair on their body.

Fact :- Snakes are from reptile family & they do not have hair on their body. Instead Baba,Mantrik, Snake charmer make cut or wound on living snake’s body and attach goat’s hairinto it, as wound heals the hair appear to be integral part of snake. These snakes arepresented as ‘God’s snake’ or ‘snake blessed by God’.

16] Cobra mate with Rat snake.

Fact :- Cobra has got its own male & female species. Same is the case with Rat snake.Snakes do not cross breed with another snake species. In Marathi Language name cobra(Nag) is masculine & Rat snake (Dhaman) is feminine. That is why this misconception musthave come. Also Rat snake appears much like cobra, if seen from far & before mating whentwo Rat snakes perform debate to claim female, their posing appears much like Cobra. Manypeople also feel that it’s a mating of male and female rat snake but it’s not the case in reality.It’s just a healthy fight between two male Rat Snakes. Additionally Cobra’s normally feedthemselves on Rat snake.

17] If pregnant lady looks into snake’s eyes directly, snake losses its eye sight.

Fact :- Above sentence is purely a myth. Care of Nature (CON) organisation’s volunteershave checked its truth and it is found that, this is a myth. This myth does not require anyexplanation, you can try it at your home. Just do take care of participating Snake & Humanvolunteer too.

18] Snake injects venom or gives bite with tongue or tail.

Fact :- Snake does not bite with tongue, as its very soft, without any bony part or hardmuscle to penetrate in animal tissues / skin. Same is the case with tail. But few snakes have

10

rough chamfered tail to wide open or dig the burrows. The worm snake has hard pointed tipat its tail, which it hits some time to protect himself. But such a bite is not damaging, as itdoes not inject any venom or other toxic element.

19] Snakes coil themselves to form wheel shape & then throw themselves from hilltop to follow human beings.

Fact :- Snakes coil themselves to hide from any danger to them. Snake body is not strongenough to bear all humps & bumps, which he may receive in above process. It’s just humanbeing’s baseless wild imagination.

20] Myths related to snake bite & its cure.

1. Worshiping snakes or keeping fast in the name of snakes, protect humans from anyill effect of snake bite or its venom. Baba, mantrik have god gift to reduce thedamaging effects of snake venom, which they have achieved by years of study,worship & hardship.

2. In case of snake bite, encircling holy place (temple, mosque, church, etc.) helpsavoiding its intended ill effect.

3. Well known enemy of snake - mongoose is immune to snake venom or in somecases mongoose eats some leaves & roots of specific tree to safeguard itself fromlethal effect of snake venom.

4. Snake does not bite person, having leprosy disease & in case of bite, venom doesnot affect such person.

5. Applying ‘Nagmani’ (Snake stone/gem) or rubbing extract of some herbs at bite placehas anti venom action.

6. Applying red hot iron at bite place cures the victim.7. Chanting of mantras does anti-venom action & safe guard victim from all effects of

snake venom.8. Person bitten by snake feels that, Neem leaves or chilies taste sweet.

Facts :- please note that non venomous & semi venomous snake bites does not havedamaging or lethal effects on human body & all symptoms in these case are temporary.Whereas venomous snake bites are life threatening, but can be cured by proper medicationwhich includes “Anti Snake venom” injection / treatment. All other remedies are myths &superstitions and do not help in case of venomous snake bite. But as many of snake bitesare from non venomous or semi venomous snakes, person gets recovered of temporarysymptoms on himself after some time & people credit this unachieved success to allbaseless cures. Any mental, physical stress & carelessness in proper medication aftervenomous snake bite, adds to worsening venom effect.

Mongoose is very fast & swift animal. It does not allow snake to bite him. But in case bitten,it dies.

Nagmani sold in market are just benzene crystals & does not have any anti venom action.

Snake neither understand ritualistic, religious performances nor are they capable ofremoving any venom from anybody’s body once injected.

The person affected with leprosy has lost his senses. Hence bite & related pain is notsensed by him. But all other lethal after effects are seen on him including death.

11

The snake venom affects nervous system & hence bitten person start losing its senses. Italso includes human’s ability to discern taste. So victim does not feel chilly spicy or neemleaves to be bitter. But it does not mean that it tastes sweet. Even sugar will not taste himsweet.

So this is all about the general myths regarding beautiful species `snakes’. But there are fewmis-beliefs about specific type of snakes. Those will be discussed in their individual details.

Precautions / Safety measures to avoid snake bites :

Snakes are useful to human beings & nature. But their ability to produce venom & theirvenomous bites are matter to worry, as these may be fatal sometime. So it’s better to havesome precautions to avoid snake bites, especially venomous bite. Because, ‘prevention isbetter than cure’. We all know, snakes love to dwell in humid, secluded places like bushes,rubbles, unattended storehouses. Hence following precautionary measures can be useful toavoid snake bites.

Do not collect debris, rubbles, bricks, firewood, in your house or very close to yourresidence, as these are favourable places for snakes to hide.

In reference to above, due care & proper checking should be done, while collectingfirewood or handling bricks, heap of stones & debris etc. Same should be kept in mindwhile roaming around in marshy & shallow water areas.

Snakes find it difficult to crawl on smooth, plain surfaces. Hence external walls of thehouse & adjoining area up to few meters may please be made very smooth with the helpof cement or clay.

All cracks & holes, pits in the walls shall be completely filled without leaving any gap, asthese locations provide a temporary residence to snakes & also facilitate entry to thehouse.

Creepers or tiny branches of tree provide good pathways for snakes to reach & enter anyhouse. Hence all such contact from tree to roofs/walls or fencing to house should beavoided.

While on a nature trail or wandering through forest, wearing hat, full clothing, shoescovering ankles can protect you from snake’s or any other insect’s bites. Also whileseeking support from branches or rocky crevices, keen inspection of location must bedone. Long and strong stick in hand, can be really useful for distant inspection & supporttoo.

During overnight camping, safe distance should be maintained between cooking,washing, water storing areas and actual residential place. Torch should be used whileworking at such areas.

Most of the snakes trying to enter house are actually following their prey. Hence properdisposal of waste food items & garbage, can help a lot to get rid of rats, lizards etc. whichwill in turn keep away snakes from our residence.

Do have proper checking of your baggage, on return from jungle safaris or trekking, assnakes entered in your bag at those site, can get easy access to your high rise cityresidence.

People staying on ground or first floor should clean all openings starting or reaching theirresidence in the form of pipes trenches by phenol, to restrict snake’s entry in to suchareas / openings.

12

Do not make any hurry to touch the snakes which seems to be dead on its externalappearance. It may be just pretending to protect himself. Due care is essential inhandling any snake living or dead.

Do’s & Don’ts for close encounter with Snake :

It’s quite possible, that after taking all above precautions snake may enter your house due toexcessive deforestation by human beings. In such emergency situation following points mustbe kept in mind.

Call experienced snake handler immediately. Their experience, knowledge helps a lot intackling situation better.

Keep safe distance from snake. If possible, try to identify the snake by using torch likelight source, from safe distance.

Use long stick to make snake run away. Inexperienced people should not attempt to catch snake by any means. Moreover do not

try to kill the snake. Wait till proper help arrives. We all know that snakes are provoked by movement and likely to attack the moving

object in self defense. Hence during very close confrontation with snakes, stay cool &stand still. Given sufficient time snake will take stock of situation & will leave the placewithout any harm to you, else if situation permits, with minimum movement, try to escapeaway as fast as possible.

In case you or someone around you has been bitten by snake, do not be panic. Followingprecautions may be life saving after a snake bite. All the attempts should be made to makevictim reach right medical center, mostly PHC at earliest. But mean while as a first aid, youcan do following to restore his mental & physical health:

Most of the victims are afraid and hence need to be given moral support & assuranceabout his safety.

Do not allow victim to put mental or physical efforts, just ensure that he is relaxed & atrest.

Keep the affected limb below heart level and properly supported to restrict anymovement of the same.

Wash the wound thoroughly with clean water. In case of cobra or krait bite only, crepe bandage or piece of cloth should be tied around

the affected limb that too only by experienced person. Do not tie crepe bandage in caseof viper bite.

Do not make cuts at the site of bite. As this may cause more harm to patient due to painand huge loss of blood.

Victim should not be taken to mantrik, baba or any Godman in any case. As for snakebite anti-snake-venom is only sure remedy. This vaccine is available in all Governmenthospitals and PHC.

Please note that for treating snake bite, snake need not be killed & taken to hospital foridentification.

After reaching the hospital, inform the concerned doctor about victim’s other illness orallergy to any medicine.

13

Law For Snake Protection :

“Wild Life Protection Act – 1972” provides protection to snakes. According to this act, killingsnakes or keeping them in captive / custody is offence / crime. Before keeping any wildanimal as pet, we need to take proper permission from Government Authorities. Even 1975Act regarding export policies pertaining to earnings from wild life offers protection to snakes.Off course laws are required, but spreading social awareness on these vital issues can playvital role, that’s the main intent of this book too. Protecting & conserving the forest is theactual protection of wild life and our nature, for this government need to pay keen attention.

Basic steps to Identify the Snakes :

All of us understand the need to identify the snakes. This may be helpful for protectingourselves as well as snakes too. Therefore, before getting into the actual details of few typesof snakes in India, we will note, few important aspects of this practice of snake identification.In context to identify the snake reader must remember that snakes need not match orresemble the photos or details mentioned in this or any of reference books, as snakeschange little bit, as per their living place, climate etc.

Read some good books about snakes. Few important references we have alreadymentioned. These books are worth buying to have handy reference as & when required.

Visit internet sites giving information about snakes. Download useful information andphotos for detailed studies later. Lots of video clips are available on internet giving somuch valuable information & feel of observing snakes in their natural habitat.

Please do visit National parks, snake parks eg. Katraj Snake Park, Pune or ChennaiSnake Park to physically see the snakes in their artificially created natural habitat.

To remove unnecessary fear about snakes as well as to learn snake handling, be part ofsuch NGOs which work for great cause of conserving nature & protecting wild life.

To gain experience and acquire more skill in this field, volunteer yourself to work withauthentic NGOs working for above cause.

You must keep your snake love away from show off. This is must for your safety whileparticipating in the activity of Snake handling, rescue & rehabilitation. We have already notedthat, major percentage of snakes around us are non-venomous or semi-venomous. Thedamage to mental & physical health due to their bites is mainly due to lack of actual, trueinformation & too much of fear about them. Hence to remove all shackles of myths and toknow the snake better, let’s start with brief details of these beautiful species.

Venomous snakes:

1) Cobra : Cobra is a member of “Big four” group. These are oviparous species (eggs arelaid & young ones emerge by hatching eggs). Cobras are world famous for their venom andtheir hood. Spreading hood is tactics to frighten the opponent. In short it’s just exhibit toprotect them.

a) Spectacled cobra / Indian cobra: Picture below depicts spectacled cobra. These snakesare found up to 7 ft length. Body colour is yellowish, dark brown or black. Its neck has broadstrip of white and black colour. Body is covered with white spots or yellow design. Back sideof the hood has distinct mark resembling “V” shape or Spectacle shape or like two attached

14

rings. Local people call it as mark of number ‘10’ (). When the hood is not spread, it lookslike “Rat snake”. But lengthwise it’s shorter than “rat snake”, even head shape, neck & tailhas got marginal differences. These snakes are found all over India. Normally nearby paddyfields, as they feed themselves on frogs, mice & rat snakes. When disturbed they raise theirhood & make hissing sound.

Please follow link below to see video’s on you tube for Spectacled Cobra –

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N77xk79MJ0c

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYTK6j-6L68

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_o4KgTjTVg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVwUIOg3MjY

b) Monocled cobra : The monocled cobra is shown in Picture below. This cobra is found inNorth-East region of India, mainly Orissa, Bengal, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh. This is alsocalled “Bengal Cobra”. Their venom is little mild compare to “spectacled cobras”. Hoodspread is more and round, but length of hood is little less compare to spectacled cobra. Thehood bears big circular mark. The body colour is yellowish brown or sometimes slightgreenish shade. These snakes are nocturnal and try to attack when disturbed.

15

c) King Cobra: This snake is shown in picture below. King Cobra is longest venomoussnake of India. This can grow up to 15 feet to length. Because of its size, the quantity ofvenom in its gland is also good enough and it can easily kill one adult elephant or around 30humans. These snakes are normally found in dense forest of Bengal, Orissa, Karnataka &Tamilnadu. Also found in Tea gardens of north eastern states. They feed themselves onother snakes. Their hood is long but less wide than other cobras. It can raise itself to heightof 3 to 4 feet & can march forward in this position. Their body colour is yellowish brown ormoss green with yellowish white bands on complete body. The female king cobra collectsdry leaves to build the nest and protects her eggs till they hatch.

Please follow link below to see video’s on you tube for King Cobra –

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Rj7ff2A2XI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6yw28oTPwE

Symptoms of cobra bite: Cobra venom affects our central nervous system. The pain canbe felt in bitten area. As time passes, swelling starts around affected area & bite. Limbsbecome weak & victim feels sleepy. Eye lids start drooping. Saliva starts dribbling from themouth. After some time sweating & vomiting starts, breathing become difficult. Heart beatincreases. In the absence of proper medication, the death is certain.

Important Note : The symptoms of snake bite totally depend on type of snake, location ofbite on victim body, severity of bite, quantity of injected venom, victim’s mental & physicalcondition during & after bite and also his immunity.

Myths about Cobras: Many of myths & facts pertaining to snakes are related to cobras andRat snakes. Hence some additional one with few earlier covered are mentioned here.

Milk is main food of cobra. Cobra like music, especially music played by snake chambers.

16

Cobra visit specific places on specific days, to accept the offerings made to themspecially milk.

Cobra has ‘Cobra jewel’ (Nagmani) on its head (Top of hood). Using Nagmani, the damaging effect of snake venom can be reduced or eliminated. Cobra bite on “Nagpanchami” day is fatal and can’t be treated by any means. Cobra (male) mates with Rat snake (Female). Cobra protects treasures or ancestral properties. Male cobra can acquire multiple heads by doing years of worship / hardship. Same way

female cobra can acquire magical powers and capabilities to attain any form.

All above myths are people’s wild imagination, without any evidence or fact in them. Few ofthe explanations are already offered while detailing general myths about snakes.

2) Krait : This snake is also belongs to group of “Big-4”. The venom of this snake is verystrong, it’s 8 times lethal than cobra venom but quantity wise it’s less. These snakes arenocturnal & oviparous.

a) Common krait : This snake is shown in Picture below. Common krait is found all overIndia. In Raigad region of Maharashtra, it’s popularly known as “Surya Kandar”. Their bodycolour is bluish black, having white bands starting after neck and reaching till tail. Theuppermost row of scales on body is of large hexagonal shape. These snakes look alike wolfsnake, but cylindrical head, neck and body differentiates. The length of these snakes can beup to 6 ft. They feed themselves on mice, snakes & other kraits.

Please follow link below to see video’s on you tube for Krait –

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkzwSiJx4pk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOwqCoGzdp0

b) Banded krait : Picture below shows banded krait. This is found in Gadchiroli,Chandrapur, Bengal, Odisha, Assam. I have seen this during my visit to Dr. Prakash Amte’s“Lok Biradari Prakalp”. In Marathi it’s also called “Agya manyar” as its venom is much

17

stronger than common krait. But it is extremely shy. Its length is up to 7 ft. and wholetriangular body is marked with alternating yellow & black bands. Head bears inverted black‘V’. It’s nocturnal snake and rare to find.

c) Wall’s sind krait : This snake resembles common krait in many aspects. Its body colourvaries from dark brown to black with white bands throughout length except head & neck.This is found in UP, Bihar, Bengal & few regions of Maharashtra. This snake is moreaggressive compare to above two types of krait.

Symptoms of krait bite : Krait venom also affects CNS of human being as in case ofCobra. But there is no much of swelling or burning sensation at the place of bite. Because ofthis people mistake it to be non-venomous bite and show carelessness towards availingproper medication. But once the symptoms start appearing they show rapid rise. Severepains are observed in the abdomen & joints. If untreated or lack of timely medication can befatal.

Myths & Facts about Krait : In some areas people think, if this snake bites during nightthen victim dies before sunrise or if the bite has happened in day time then victim dies beforesunset. Because of this myth this snake is suggestively called “Surya Kandar” in thoseplaces. In fact its venom is so potent that death can occur within few hours of sever bite.

3) Russell’s Viper : This snake is also member of “Big 4” group. It’s shown in Picturebelow. This snake is called “Kamblya” in Raigad region of Maharashtra.

18

This snake is stout & little heavily bodied. But its attack is very fast & swift. Its body bearsthree rows of dark brown oval shaped blotches with white border, body colour is light brownand thin short tail, head is flat triangular and pupils are vertical. This snake grows up to 6feet in length, venom fangs are placed in upper jaw in folded condition. It’s nocturnal & ovo-viviparous (mother gives birth to young ones directly). These species are little shorttempered & when disturbed, it makes loud hissing noise & bites the intruder, sometimesmultiple times. They are found at most of places, change in colouration is observed as pertheir habitat.

Please follow link below to see video’s on you tube for Russell’s Viper –

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6MSRiCK7w8U

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0xTG5B9rF0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFWZEMhcA5c

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEYB21rjdzM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9eUtRl1RhY

Symptoms of Russell’s Bite : The venom of this snake has effect on human’s blood &blood circulation system. Sever burning sensation felt at the site of bite, which spread overthe affected limb. Swelling occurs; blister occurs at affected area, adjacent area turns bluishblack, bleeding starts from bite site or even from urine, saliva & gums. Due to this, victimbecomes weak and feels restless, pulse become irregular. Lack of timely medication affectskidney function and may lead to death. Making cuts at the site of bite or tying crepe bandagemay have damaging effect than help, so must be avoided.

Myths & Facts about Russell’s viper : Unless Russell’s Viper turn back after biting, venomdoes not get injected in body. The fact is Russell’s venom fangs are folded in upper jaw. Atthe time of bite, he wide opens his mouth and injects venom. While trying to take out thesefangs from victim’s body, he has to turn back his head little. Its natural way of doing this &there is no relation of this action with injecting venom or its quantity or venom’s damagingeffect.

4) Saw Scaled Viper : Picture below shows saw scaled viper. This is smallest snake of “Big4” group.

But it contributes to the maximum snake bites wherever it is found, mostly all over India,except extreme northern & some north east states. These species are ovo-viviparous; length

19

does not exceed 2 feet. Head is flat, triangular & much bigger than neck. Head bears whitemark resembling arrow or spear head. Tail is short; eyes are golden with vertical pupil. Bodyis light brown having two wavy white lines running throughout body with centrally placed lineof white spots. Scales are rough having saw-like keels, by rubbing these keeled scale itmakes noise of phus – phus. These snakes move by side winding, movement is quite fast. Itfeeds on mice, lizards, small birds, scorpions, etc.

Please follow link below to see video’s on you tube for Saw Scaled Viper –

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohU7DXavOlE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yn6jX1QKgCg

Symptoms of Bite : Venom of this snake has similar effects on human bodies like Russell’sviper. It affects blood & its circulation system. Being little smaller in size, compare toRussell’s, the effect & symptoms do not appear very fast. Also they are not as damaging asRussell’s. But if not treated timely, external & internal bleeding may weaken victim too much.Cardiac arrest may lead to death.

Myths & Facts about saw scaled viper : Due to its tiny size many people believe that sawscaled vipers are non venomous or at least their bites does not lead to fatalities but same isnot true.

5) Bamboo Pit Viper : Picture shown below is bamboo pit viper. It’s basically snake of vipercategory. Found in dense thorny bushes or bamboos.

These snakes have special bodily feature called “Heat sensing pit” located between nostrils& eyes. Just like python, this snake also uses it to locate the warm blooded prey. This pit cansense temperature difference of 0.00030 C. These snakes are of light green to dark greenshades. Underside is yellowish. The maximum length of these species is about 3 feet. Theirheads are triangular & flat. Neck is thinner than body. Lower jaw’s external appearance isyellow. These are nocturnal & ovo- viviparous snakes.

Please follow link below to see video’s on you tube for Bamboo Pit Viper –

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYfv5hvJrIw

There are two more types of such snakes found in Western Ghats of Maharashtra up toKanyakumari, ‘Malabar pit viper’ & ‘Hump nosed pit viper’. Malabar pit viper has pale brownor grey body with dark grey or brown blotches throughout its length. Head & tail shape, sizeis same as bamboo pit viper except colouration. Hump nosed pit viper has little pointed,

20

snout, turned upwards, body colour is light, bright shade of brown, tail tip is of yellowishcolour.

Symptoms of Bite : These snakes are from viper family and hence symptoms do resemblelittle with Russell’s & saw scaled viper. But the venom is not very powerful & seldom resultsin death. Certainly it’s better to have proper medical treatment.

6) Coral Snake: Picture below shows coral snake. These snakes are of brown colour.Underside of body is bright coloured. Head & tail are blunt & short. Tail has two circularbands. Underside of tail is blue. Length of these snakes is approximately 1 foot. They looklittle like Dumeril’s black headed non venomous snake. These nocturnal, oviparous snakesare of shy temperament. When disturbed, shows bright underside of the body & tail. Theyare found in most of the places in India.

In the Western Ghats, one more variety of coral snakes is often found named ‘stripped coralsnake’. These are thin, long, short tailed snakes, having black strips over reddish brownbody. Underside of tail is red & pearl white. They grow up to 3 & half feet.

Symptoms of bite: There is swelling & burning sensation at the bite site. We should notforget that these snakes are venomous, though there are no records of deaths from coralsnake bites in India.

7) Sea Snake : Most of the sea snakes are very venomous. Indian coast line is shelter toaround 40 of such species. Their venom is more potent, almost 4 to 8 times more lethalthan cobra venom. They are of shy temperament and do not bite. While on hunt they canstay below water for around 2 hrs. They are ovo- viviparous. Few of them discussed below:

a) Hook nosed sea snake: This is very commonly found sea snake around Indian coastline. Body is greenish grey and having dark moss green coloured bands throughout length.

21

Underside scales are off white. Upper jaw is slightly bigger than lower one. Scales are rough& tail is flattened. Nose is curved & square like.

b) Many toothed sea snake / Sea krait : These snakes are having black or dark greycolored head . The body is grey coloured with yellow or white bands on complete body. Theyare 3 to 4 feet long. They are ovo- viviparous.

Please follow link below to see video’s on you tube for Sea Krait –

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVgITTIVHZU

c) Short Sea Snake : They look like many toothed sea snake, but their yellow coloured bodyhas grey bands. Body is short & stout. Length does not exceed 3 feet. Tail is dark coloured &flat. Their venom is very strong & lethal, this evolved feature is just to catch their slippery &swift prey- fish.

Symptoms of bite: On bite severe pain is felt in muscles. The affected limb gets paralysed.Urine becomes reddish after some time of bite.

Myth: Fishermen feel that sea snakes are non-venomous hence they handle them verycarelessly. If any of these snakes are found in fish net, fishermen just pick it up from its tailand throw them again in sea. But fact is that they are very venomous.

Semi venomous snakes:

1) Common Vine Snake: Picture below shows Common Vine Snake. This can grow up to 7feet long. Body colour is light or dark green. Head is flat, long & pointed. These are ovo-viviparous snakes, having special & unique feature of horizontal pupil in yellow golden eyes.Their venomous fangs are placed in upper jaw but in rear side. They are found all overIndia, in bushes, trees, vines but due to same colouration they are not noticed. Whendisturbed, they flatten & enlarge their body & attack with mouth wide open. Their venom ismild & does not have any long term damaging effect on human health.

One more species of this kind is ‘Brown vine snake’, Picture below shows this snake. Itresembles to dried creeper stem. Body colour is light grey-brown shade with dark brownspots on the body. The head of this type is longer, flattened & body is slender in comparisonto common (green) vine snake. Its length is about 4 to 5 feet.

22

Myths & Facts :

1. Vine snake attacks human’s head with intent to eat brain.2. These snakes attack human eyes to make him blind.

Fact : Vine snake is a delicate snake, it can not puncture or penetrate through our skull, aswe all know neurosurgeons have to use a hammer & chisel to open the skull. Thismisconception must have come due to tree dwelling habit of these snakes.

2) Cat Snake : Picture below shows the cat snake. Their names come from fact that thesenocturnal snakes have vertical eye pupil. These snakes have long slender body, neck isthinner than body & flat, bigger triangular head. Depending on their colouration & otherfeatures they are categorized as common cat snake, Ceylon cat snake, Beddome’s catsnake & Forsten cat snake. Picture below is of Forsten cat snake. These snakes can growup to 7 to 8 feet. Except Jammu & Kashmir, these snakes are found all over India. Beingsemi venomous snake, their bite is not fatal but quite painful some time. These snakes aremistaken with saw scaled viper (venomous), but compare to these species, cat snakes aretoo much long, slender, flat headed with thin neck & distinct design on body. Moreover theydo not move by side winding like saw scaled viper. It feeds on garden lizards, geckos, miceetc.

Please follow link below to see video’s on you tube for Forsten Cat Snake –

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUnY3hJtYGM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHLlfJqEFHo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TluIX6U97wc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PS0ui93vXq0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJJXcwT0N9E

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mheBD33u0F4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJm0YX6cHzw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Mx4J9-Oo6s

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1vNmehkmrY

3) Ornate Flying Snake : This snake is shown in Picture on next page. They got beautifulcolour pattern. Light yellow or green body has black bands & red spots. Pale green scales

23

are observed on underside of body. Head is black & flattened with yellow bands. Big eyesare having round pupil. These snakes grow up to 6 feet long. Normally found in dense forest,prefer to dwell on trees. To catch the prey or escape out from predator/enemy, they jumpfrom tree branches, flatten their body & glide like paper plane to reach the desireddestination. These species are oviparous & diurnal. Their venom is potent enough to kill theirprey. Bite is not harmful for human beings. For video please visit this websitehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vhgC_g1cmU&NR=1&feature=endscreen

Myths: Bright & multi-coloured snakes are very venomous, is the misconception which leadsto killing of these snakes. These snakes are semi venomous & their bite does not cause anyfatality for human, is a fact.

4) Glossy Marsh Snake: This snake is showed in Picture below. These snakes are found incoastal areas, marshy lands & mangroves. It feeds on fishes, shrimps, small crabs, etc. Itslength is 1 to 2 feet. Top side of body is dark grey, black coloured & underside is of whitecolour. Tail is short. This snake is ovo-viviparous & nocturnal, but also found in daysometimes.

5) Sand Snake : These semi venomous snakes have three main types which are found inMaharashtra, Gujrat & India’s north west states. These species are oviparous & feeds onfrogs, lizards, etc.

a) Condanarus Sand Snake: This is long, slender bodied snake with complete body of lightbrown or moss green colour. Five long strips run throughout body. Eyes are big with roundpupil.

24

b) Stout sand snake: Picture below shows this snake. This species have stout body. Neckis pale brown where as body is of shinning brown scales. Backside scales has dark border,normally they do not bite. Their venom is mild & bite site get’s little swelling. It’s not harmfulto humans.

c) Leith’s Sand Snake : This snake resembles condanarus snake or stripped keel back. Butits whole body is of bright yellow colour & four dark brown strips run parallel throughoutbody. Head is elongated & underside is light yellow.

6) Glossy Belied Racer : Picture below shows this snake. This snake is thin, slender & longgrows up to 4 feet. Its body is yellowish coloured having faint brown strips. This snake isoviparous & feeds on lizards, mice, etc.

7) Dog Faced Water Snake: This Snake is shown in Picture below. Its body is grey orbrown coloured. Head & neck are thick but head is broader than neck.

Body has unevenly distributed dark spots. Nostrils & eyes are located on upper side of headtop. This snake grows up to 5 feet & found in Indian coast line including Andaman Nicobar

25

islands. During my recent visit to Andaman Island, while on tour to Lime stone caves atBaratang Island, We have seen one complete family of these species in shallow water. Thisnocturnal species are ovo- viviparous.

Please follow link below to see video’s on you tube for Dog faced Water Snake –

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNxds5O0E50

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-mSteA4W7g

8) Indian Egg Eater : Picture below shows the referred snake. This snake is on verge toextinct. It’s found in Vardha, Yavatmal, Amaravati region of Maharashtra. This snake growsup to length of 2.5 feet. Body is blackish or dark brown with central line of yellow spotsrunning from head to tail. At first instance this snake appears to be ‘stripped keel back’ or‘Trinket’. This Snake is called as egg eater because this snake has special anatomicalfeature by which it breaks open swallowed egg & ejects back only egg shell.

Non-venomous snakes :

1) Stripped Keel back : As the climate of rainy season is soothing to human beings, it isalso suitable for snakes. In these days stripped keel back is observed very often. As shownin picture, its length is 1 to 2 feet. Its body is brownish coloured with two distinct parallelyellow stripes on both sides. It feeds on frogs, lizards, etc. & found in humid & wet places.The female lays eggs.

26

Please follow link below to see video’s on you tube for Stripped Keelback Snake –

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcrZqrwEXXc

Myth : During their mating period, they are found in groups. Due to this, some people thinkthat when one stripped keel back is killed, six of them gather there and when those six arekilled, it is followed by a cobra. Due to our ignorance, this harmless and non-venomoussnake gets killed for no reason.

2) Checkered Keel back : This is non-venomous snake found in water. As shown in Picture,its body is covered with black and yellow coloured chess board pattern. It is up to 2 to 5 feetlong. It is very short tempered & restless snake and gives severe & painful but harmless bite.This oviparous snake is found in ponds, rivers, lakes, wells etc.

Please follow link below to see video’s on you tube for Chequered Keelback Snake –

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3uueolaxRNg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZqE3GWRwWA

Myths : 1) It becomes venomous when it is on land.2) If it bites human beings, it dies itself.

3) Green Keel back : It is a green coloured snake found in grass. It is shown on next page.It is about 1 to 3 feet long with little strong built body, covered with keeled rough scales. Tailis short. It has big green eyes with round pupil. This is oviparous snake feeds on toads,lizards, etc. and found in paddy fields & marshy lands of Central & Southern India.

27

4) Python : pythons is robust, heavily built snake. As shown in picture, it has triangular headresembling spear head. Body is covered with yellow & brown uneven blotches. Its length isup to 9 to 25 feet. As we know, snakes have no legs and are evolved from crocodile likereptiles. But pythons are only snakes which have not completely lost their legs. It stillremains in the form of “spurs”. These snakes are of shy temperament and prefer to hidethemselves. They are found in dense bushes, marshy lands, pits or holes of other animals,caves etc. and feeds on mice, birds, small wolves, deer, wild boar etc. They do not crushtheir prey instead they coiled around the prey and constrict it. Prey dies due to suffocation.After swallowing the prey, python prefer to be at rest for many days to facilitate the digestionprocess. They have thermo receptor pits between their eyes & nostrils which help them tolocate warm blooded prey. Pythons are oviparous & nocturnal in nature. They can stayunder the water for 30 minutes. They get killed for their beautiful skin. These types ofpythons can be found throughout India.

Please follow link below to see video’s on you tube for Python –

Python at Chennai Snake Park –

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCyzfb534GM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9iVKEgeodEg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRseZZbpqFw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRR9cv6xRDM

Python in Bush at Malshej Ghat –

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9OK20kWoiE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fD8kYN1Hyjw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxDTCdt-ZBA

Python at Katraj Snake Park, Pune –

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NR4fOvS6iyY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rI1fZECKsRg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0SMQ_otcs1w

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrVXUeMF90A

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEhfHUtJJCU

But some specific types found at some specific places like ‘Reticulated pythons’ are found inAndaman & Nikobar Islands. They grow up to 12 to 33 feet. Its body is covered with large

28

yellowish brown blotches. Black line is observed on the center of the head. The goodcollection is available at Chennai Snake Park.

‘Burmee’s python’ is found in north east India & Uttaranchal. It grows up to 9 to 20 feet.Large & uneven blackish brown spots are observed on its yellow brown body.

Myths: 1) Pythons sucks their prey from distance.2) Python eats human being.3) After swallowing its prey, it coils the tree & breaks the bones of the prey.

5) Common sand boa :- As shown in picture, it has stout & short body covered with keeledscales & blackish designed marks. Tail is very rough. The marks on body may be reddishbrown or blackish grey. At first look it resembles with the venomous Russell’s viper. But itcan be differentiated, as common sand boa has uneven marks on body where as Russell’sviper has oval & even marks on its body.

Please follow link below to see video’s on you tube for Sand Boa –

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCXIJ_m8Oks

Common sand boa can be found in sandy areas, rat’s holes, bricks, rubbles etc. Its bite isquite painful but there is no risk of life as this snake is non- venomous. It is ovo- viviparous &nocturnal in nature. It is found all over India except north- east region. It is killed for its skin.

Myths : 1) It can cause leprosy by its bite or touch.2) It is killed because of its resemblance with Russell’s viper or saw scale viper.

6) Red sand Boa : It is shown in Picture below. It is reddish or dark brown coloured snake. Itis known as two mouthed (dutondya) as its mouth and tail looks same (alike).

29

It is found to be 2 to 3 feet long. It is killed for its skin & due to some mis-beliefs. Thisnocturnal and ovo-viviparous snake feeds on rats & other insects which ruin the crops &other agricultural products. It is very much tortured by the snake charmers while presenting itas two-mouthed or God’s snake. They make small wound on its tail and fix goat’s hair inthat, also make two small slots to fix glass beads, so as to resemble it with its eyes. Thefunniest thing is, if we restrict its forward movement, it starts moving backward, that is fromits tail side. Snake charmers take undue advantages of this.

Please follow link below to see video’s on you tube for Red Sand Boa –

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMB6AqGasQA

Myths :

1) It is said that, keeping this snake in captive brings good fortune or wealth. For this it issmuggled, caged & killed on large scale.

2) Many people believe that, this snake has no bones or skeleton structure in its body.3) This snake has two mouths & for six months it moves in forward direction & for another six

months it uses its back side for movement.

7) Rat snake : This snake is a big sized long snake. It is usually killed due to itsresemblance with Cobra. For the experienced snake handler it is difficult to confuse betweencobra & rat snake. Rat snake is shown in Picture below. Rat snake is yellowish brown orgreenish black in colour. Bellyside or underside of the body is yellowish. It has very long &slender tail. Distinct black lines are observed on lower side of body starting from its lowerjaw. This can be used as main identification of this snake, during rescue operation, whenonly its head is visible. It mainly feeds on rats therefore is known as `Farmer’s Best Friend’.One Rat snake finishes hundreds of rats in a year. It is very swift snake. When provoked,before attacking it flattens its neck & makes hissing sound. Its bite is non-venomous but verypainful. This oviparous snake is diurnal as well as nocturnal. Due to vast deforestation, it isoften found near human habitat.

Please follow link below to see video’s on you tube for Rat Snake –

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CV2v9iZqsEs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MpR5YDeI7E

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bAjE_H6iAQ

Myths : 1) Rat snake mates with cobra.

30

2) It has sting in its tail which it uses to kill the cattle.3) This snake sucks milk from cow & Buffalo.4) Male & Female rat snake dance before mating.

8) Banded Racer : It is shown in Picture below. This snake is very swift, so it’s called‘Racer’. It is around 2 to 5 feet in length. This snake is glossy light brown coloured. Body iscovered with yellowish juvenile strips. Sometimes it is found in completely white colour. Thissnake is of two types - Banded Racer & Gunther Racer. When disturbed, this non-venomoussnake flattens its body like cobra. Its body structure also resembles to small / young cobra. Itfeeds on rats, lizards, etc. This oviparous snake found near human habitat.

Please follow link below to see video’s on you tube for Racer –

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqfX1uuBDOk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDAiRdjGSvI

9) Wolf snake : This non-venomous snake resembles with venomous Krait. It is shown inPicture below. Wolf Snake is very short tempered & attacking in nature. Always ready to bite& gives multiple bites in few minutes of handling. But being non venomous, it is harmless.It is reddish / pinkish brown or black in colour. It has got yellow or white bands on the bodystarting from its head & lightens towards the tail. It has triangular head with thin neck.It grows up to 1 to 2.5 feet. It is nocturnal in nature & very actively climbs on trees or walls.This oviparous snake is found near human habitat. It feeds on lizards, frogs, geckos etc.

Myth : It is killed because of its resemblance with krait.

31

10) Kukri snake : Profile of its teeth is like weapon “Kukri”, may be the reason for its nameKukri Snake. It is shown in Picture below. This snake is of shy temperament & generallydoesn’t bite. It is found to be 1 to 2 feet long with very delicate reddish body having bluishbands on it. It has got arrow shaped mark on its head .This oviparous snake is found incentral & southern part of India.

Myth : Due to presence of bands on its body, it is confused with krait.

11) Bronze Back / Tree snake : It is shown on next page. This is a tree dwelling snake.It has long, cylindrical body with head wider than its slender body. Eyes are big compare toother snakes. A glossy / bronze coloured strip with dark brown or black border is observedon whole body starting from its head to tail. The underside of the body is whitish or lightgreen in colour. This oviparous snake grows up to 3 to 6 feet in length & is very active / swiftin nature. They can move on trees easily with the help of their long & sender tail.

Myth : After biting humans, this snake climb the peak of the tree & observe funeral of thebitten person .

12) Trinket : This snake is shown in Picture below. It is medium sized snake with verysmooth & shiny / bright scales.

32

It is oviparous & observed all over India. Its body is light brown in colour with dark brown &whitish bands on it. These bands look like trinket (a hand accessory/ornament used byladies). Its tail has dark & pale brown strips running parallel to the length. Neck has twoblack bands. Starting from the back side & just below the eyes small black mark is observed.These snakes grow up to 5 feet. When provoked take attacking position & attack with mouthwide open.

13) Dumeril’s Black headed snake : As shown in picture this snake resembles tovenomous Coral snake but can be easily identified with its long & slender tail & a blackspotted line on its back going till its tail. Its head is black but body is light reddish browncoloured.

Female lays eggs. Its length is observed up to 1 to 1.25 feet long. It is found in heaps of dryleaves, wood logs, etc.

14) Phipson’s Shieldtail : It is shown in Picture below. This snake is found in Westernregion of Maharashtra. The one which found in Mahabaleshwar is named as“Mahabaleshwari shieldtail”. It is only 0.75 to 1 feet long. This snake has pointed headwhereas tail is blunt & has chamfered cut. Body is dark purple or blackish blue in colourhaving yellow-black spots or orange bands on it. Scales are smooth & bright/shiny. Theygive direct birth to the young ones. They are found in heaps of dry leaves or under theground.

15) Royal snake : It is shown in Picture below. Length of this snake is observed about 5 to 6feet. It is oviparous in nature. Its body has very light shade of yellow or orange colour, havingdark blue or black spots on it. These spots become light with its age. A reddish orangeshade is observed on its neck.

33

This beautiful nocturnal snake is found in various regions of India like Gujrat, Rajasthan,Punjab, UP, Kashmir & Himachal Pradesh.

16) File Snake : It is shown on next page. Its name `File snake’, may have come from itsresemblance with the ‘file’ tool used by fitter in Mechanical Industry. It grows up to 2 to 3 feetin length. Body is black or grey in colour having white bands on it. They look like venomous`Sea snake’ but their tail is not flat. Its head & neck are of same size, little fat body.

17) Worm snake : It is shown in Picture below. It is also called as ‘Blind snake’. It is thesmallest variety of the snakes. These species have length of just 0.5 to 1 feet. Its body isbrown in colour, with smooth & bright / shiny scales. Eyes are very small. It has a sting at theend of its tail. It feeds on earthworms, larvae of ants etc. ‘Brahmini worm snake’ is one of itstypes having nail like covering on its head. It grows up to 2 feet length.

Photos of Various snakes found in India taken by Santosh Takale & Uploaded on hisFacebook account are available at link below :

https://www.facebook.com/santosh.takale.9/photos_albums

34

Attending Snake Rescue Call…… Care & Precautions to be taken :

Finally we have reached to the end of this book, I will conclude by sharing some of my teamexperiences about snake rescue. We have already studies that, on encounter snake preferto flee but some situation they get entangled or scared so much that they do not leave theplace so fast, which causes panic among the people in close vicinity. In such cases,rescuing snake and putting it back to it’s safe habitat is important. This very importantservice to community is done by some snake lover’s or NGO working for similar cause,people call them “Snake Friends’. While pursuing this thrilling, dangerous hobby cumservice, Person must inculcate certain qualities & remembering following points may also behelpful.

Safety First : While attending snake rescue call’s, ensure your safety first, Lethal effectof bite by venomous snake is irrespective of depth of your knowledge & love for thesespecies. Many experienced snake handler’s die every year due to negligence and unsafehandling.

One of my friend was briefing gathered crowd after rescuing one adult Cobra in oneremote village, just to display it’s venom fangs he did head catch, which is not commonlyadvisable. Just lack of few second’s attention, cobra pierced it’s fangs through it’s lowerjaw into friend’s right hand thumb. The bite was so severe that victim was unconsciousfor few hours before getting stable, though he was getting proper medical treatment.

Identification is must : First try to identify the snakes, this is important for public safety& your confidence and ease in handling. You should be 100% sure about the specimenyou are rescuing, before starting rescue operation.

On one occasion, newly joined volunteer rescued one Rat snake and in process he gotsevere bite. As the pain started increasing rapidly, under public pressure fellow wasmoved to hospital hurriedly. Now victim is confused and not very sure about the speciedue to pain, fear and public pressure. Luckily the specimen was still available at bite siteand was identified by expert to declare it as Rat snake to avoid any further confusion &treatment.

Be Patient : To ensure identification & proper handling, lot of patience & time isrequired. As snake do not show up immediately. Thus being patient is foremost demandfor this task/profession.

Hard work : Snake rescue is not all about going to the incident place, identifying thespecie, picking up the same & leaving it back to it’s habitat. It requires lot of hard work &labour to complete the task, as public around the place advice a lot but do not helpphysically due to fear & lack of knowledge.

Keep less expectation : Do not expect crowd/people around to be very cooperative andobedient, for them you are no better than regular snake charmer.

Be Cool : Do not bend to the public pressure, to take some unsafe action.

35

Do not Show Off : Do not make show off of your guts and bravery, while on call. Also donot start explaining the specie, then & their only because on first catch snakes can bevery offensive and difficult to handle. Educative session shall be specially arranged withvolunteers to control the crowd and proper permission from Government authorities.

All above points may be clear from my own experience narrated below,

One Sunday afternoon I got call, regarding Cobra hiding in someone’s toilet sink, asnobody was around, I have to go alone. As I reached the destination after driving formore than 30 minutes, through city traffic, all building residents were bit angry for my latearrival, as if I am paid government servant, appointed for this activity. I didn’t show anyreaction and asked for the location of snake hide out. They all lead me to one toilet sinkcovered with heavy, thick concrete shield & just started looking at me expectedly tomove that heavy concrete cover on my own. The job was much beyond the scope of anysingle individual, hence I asked for help & majority of population gathered around leftsaying they are afraid of bite as if I am immune to same. After lot of request onegentleman came forward with clear opinion that he will ran away on first site of snake, ashe seen the specie and very sure that it’s big size Cobra. After putting 1 hour labour inthat stinking surrounding, we could not get glimpse of the snake, but now the area wasvisible & accessible. I requested residents to move back & reduce the movement around,so that snake can come out to take stock of situation in case present. Our efforts yieldedafter 45 minutes & snakes showed up it’s head. It was very clear from head pattern,colour, black lines on lower jaw & head size that it was big size rat snake. It was hiding intoilet pipe coming from building and opening in the sink. We waited long but snake didn’tcome out, it was just pepping out for few seconds at the interval of few minutes.Somebody suggested pouring boiling water from first floor toilet, which was obviouslyrejected and person has received his piece of advice from me. But same idea has beenused other way round; we mixed few drops of phenyl in full bucket water, tied gunny bagto sink pipe and poured this water from first floor residents toilet. As a effect snake cameout rushing, entered bag and rest of activity taken care by me without much trouble.Rejecting people’s plea to show the snake. I poured few buckets of clean water oncaptive bag to remove any of phenyl traces. Drove to nearest Karnala forest and leftsnake free, it was almost 9-10 feet long rat snake, it was surprising that how it reached tothe densely populated city center. The whole exercise excluding my travel time took 3hours.

Do not Drink & try : Snake rescue activity requires your all senses to be workingperfectly.

Know the Legal formalities : We all know snakes do not have much memory & they donot take revenge also but Snake friend’s do. Hence though you may be doing greatservice to mankind by pursuing hobby of snake rescue but you cannot keep thesespecies in captive as per law. If you do so without proper legal permission, you will betaken in captive by Police.

Work as Organisation than individual : Attending rescue call in team is better thanvisiting individually. It makes your representation safe & authentic and also helps inaddressing legal issues if any. Forest department of Government issues some Identitycards and authority to some authentic, veteran NGO’s.

36

Note : Following information has been taken from internet sources. The detailed information& photographs of these snakes can be easily obtained from various internet sources.

World Famous venomous snakes other than India :

Black Mamba : The Black Mamba is the most deadly snake in the world. They grow 14 feetin length, and can travel at speeds of up to 12 to 15 kmph, the fastest snake in the entireworld. They have a head shaped like a coffin. The Black Mamba is not actually black. Theyhave a brownish-gray body with a light belly and brownish scales along its back. It gets itsname from the color of the lining of its mouth, which is purple-black, which it displays whenthreatened. The Black Mamba lives in South Africa. They are active during the day. Theyoften sleep in hollow trees, burrows, and will come back to the same place every night. TheBlack Mambas feed on small mammals and birds, like rats, squirrels, mice, rats.

The Black Mambas are found in pairs or small groups. They get very nervous, and headaway fast when a human approaches. When the mamba feels threatened it will raise its frontand head about 3-4 feet off the ground, open its mouth, spread a flat hood, and shake itshead. When they attack they will make several quick strikes, and escape as fast as they can.They can strike from 4-6 feet away. These fearsome snakes can strike up to 12 times in arow. A single bite is capable of killing anywhere from 10-25 adults. The venom is a fastacting neurotoxin. Its bite delivers about 100–120 mg of venom, on average. If the venomreaches a vein, 0.25 mg/kg is sufficient to kill a human in 50% of cases. The initial symptomof the bite is local pain in the bite area, although not as severe as snakes with hemotoxins.The victim then experiences a tingling sensation in the mouth and extremities, double vision,severe confusion, fever, excessive salivation (including foaming of the mouth and nose) andpronounced ataxia (lack of muscle control). If the victim does not receive medical attention,symptoms rapidly progress to severe abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, shock,nephrotoxicity, cardio toxicity and paralysis. Eventually, the victim experiences convulsions,respiratory arrest, coma and then death. Without antivenin, the mortality rate is nearly 100%,among the highest of all venomous snakes. Depending on the nature of the bite, death canresult at any time between 15 minutes and 3 hours.

King Brown Snake : King browns must be regarded as being a potentially dangerousspecies. Its venom is not particularly toxic but it is produced in huge quantities. The averagetiger snake produces around 10-20 mg when milked. A good sized king brown snake maydeliver over 150 mg in one bite. Despite its common name, the king brown snake is not atrue brown snake but one of the black snake family. A bite from this snake would thereforebe treated with black snake antivenom. As with many Australian snakes the colour is

37

variable. Most specimens are mid-brown, some with a coppery tinge, others being quitedark.

King browns are robust snakes with a wide head and large specimens will reach a lengthover 8 feets.

Eastern or Australian Brown Snake : Don’t let the innocuous name of this snake fool you,1/14,000 of an ounce of its venom is enough to kill an adult human. Coming in a variety ofspecies, brown snake is approximately 4 to 5 feets long. The Eastern Brown snake is themost venomous. Unfortunately, its preferred habitat is also along the major populationcenters of Australia.

The Brown snake is fast moving, can be aggressive under certain circumstances and hasbeen known to chase aggressors and repeatedly strike at them. Even juveniles can kill ahuman. The venom contains both neurotoxins and blood coagulants. Fortunately forhumans, less than half of bites contain venom and they prefer not to bite if at all possible.They react only to movement, so stand very still if you ever encounter one in the wild.

Inland Taipan : This is a venomous snake found in east-central Australia. It is considered bybiologists to be the most venomous land snake in the world, with a bite that is reportedly 50times more lethal than that of an Indian cobra, the venom in a Taipan is strong enough to killup to 12,000 guinea pigs or 250,000 mice. The maximum yield recorded for one bite is110mg, enough to kill about 100 humans. With an LD/50 of 0.03mg/kg. Despite theirdangerous reputation, inland taipans are very reclusive and there has never been a report ofa bite to a human other than to herpetologists actually handling the snake, with all bitevictims surviving through the administration of antivenom.

38

Inland taipans are approximately 6-8 feet long and have scales that are brown or brownisholive-green depending on season. Dark chevrons are usually visible on the body and thehead and snout are nearly black. It has been likened to the African Black Mamba inmorphology, ecology and behavior.

Rattle snake : The Rattlesnake is easily identifiable by the tell tale rattle on the end of itstail. They are actually a part of the Pit Viper family, and are capable of striking at up to 2/3rdtheir body length. The Eastern Diamondback in considered the most venomous species inNorth America. Surprisingly, juveniles are considered more dangerous than adults, due totheir inability to control the amount of venom injected.

Most species of rattlesnakes have hemotoxic venom, destroying tissue, degenerating organsand causing coagulopathy (disrupted blood clotting). Some degree of permanent scarring isvery likely in the event of a venomous bite, even with prompt, effective treatment, and canlead to the loss of a limb or death. Difficulty breathing, paralysis, drooling and massivehemorrhaging are also common symptoms. Thus, a rattlesnake bite is always a potentiallyfatal injury. Untreated rattlesnake bites, especially from larger species, are very often fatal.However, antivenin, when applied in time, reduces the death rate to less than 4%.

Mainland Tiger snake : A highly variable species, which does not always display thedistinctive tiger stripes suggested by its common name. The body can be grey, olive-brownor almost black. In most specimens darker bands are visible. The pale areas between thebands are usually light brown or cream in colour but in some specimens they may be bright

39

yellow. The underside is usually creamy-yellow but again may be a distinctive bright yellowin some snakes.

The banding in juvenile snakes is often much more conspicuous, fading gradually as thesnake matures. Tiger snakes are relatively short and stout bodied with a broad head. Mostspecimens reach around 3 to 5 feet in length, although particularly large animals mayexceed 6 feets. The tiger snake is a very dangerous species. Its range coincides with thehighest human population in Australia so encounters are common. Tiger snakes will usuallyact out an impressive threat display before attempting to bite. This begins with flattening ofthe neck and loud hissing followed by mock strikes. The Tiger snake has a very potentneurotoxic venom. Death from a bite can occur within 30 minutes, but usually takes 6-24hours. Prior to the development of antivenin, the fatality rate from Tiger snakes was 60-70%.Symptoms can include localized pain in the foot and neck region, tingling, numbness andsweating, followed by a fairly rapid onset of breathing difficulties and paralysis. The Tigersnake will generally flee if encountered, but can become aggressive when cornered. Itstrikes with unerring accuracy.

Death Adder : Death adders are easily distinguishable from other snakes by the very short,squat bodies, rapidly tapering tail and the broad triangular head. Colouration varies inshades of brown or grey. The tail tip is usually brightly coloured and is used as a lure bywriggling it to attract potential prey. Adult death adders are rarely longer than a meter inlength. Despite their short size they possess the longest fangs of any Australian snake.

The death adders are really reluctant to bite unless the threat is very close to them. Thename death adder was probably originally 'deaf' adder referring to the inability of this and allother snakes to hear airborne sounds. They actually hunt and kill other snakes. They

40

typically inject around 40-100mg of venom with an LD of 0.4mg-0.5mg/kg. An untreatedDeath Adder bite is one of the most dangerous in the world. The venom is a neurotoxin. Abite causes paralysis and can cause death within 6 hours, due to respiratory failure.Symptoms generally peak within 24-48 hours. Antivenin is very successful in treating a bitefrom a Death Adder, particularly due to the relatively slow progression of symptoms, butbefore its development, a Death Adder bite had a fatality rate of 50%. With the quickeststrike in the world, a Death Adder can go from strike position to striking and back againwithin 0.13 of a second.

Boom slang : The average adult boom slang is 3 to 5 feet in total length, but some exceed6 feet. The eyes are exceptionally large, and the head has a characteristic egg-like shape.Coloration is very variable. Males are light green with black or blue scale edges, but adultfemales may be brown. In this species, the head is distinct from the neck. The pupils of thevery large eyes are round. Boomslangs have excellent eyesight and will often move theirhead from side to side to get a better view of objects directly in front of them. The body isslightly compressed. The dorsal scales are very narrow, oblique, strongly keeled. It is a treedweller that is found throughout southern and sub-Saharan Africa & becomes deadlybecause of its preference for aerial positioning in tree top and shrub cover. Boomslangdelivers a potent hemotoxic venom to its victim through large, deeply grooved folded fangspositioned in the rear of its mouth The hemotoxic venom delivered by the Boomslang, affectsthe circulatory system destroying red blood cells, causing organ degeneration andgeneralized tissue damage.

Bites cause intense pain, swelling and necrosis even when delivered in small amounts. Inaddition, the bite causes severe bleeding, continuing for extended periods, even 24-48 hoursafter the bite, making the Boomslang very dangerous to man.

Bush master : The longest venomous snake, found in scrublands and forests from the

41

Amazon River basin north to Costa Rica.Three species of bushmaster are known to existand they normally measure about 6 feet long but may grow to as long as 10 feet. Theselarge snakes are reddish brown to pinkish gray in colour, matching their forest floor habitats,and they may bear x-like or diamond patterns across the back. Although seldomencountered, the bushmaster is dangerous, with a potentially lethal venom. The bushmasteris a pit viper (subfamily Crotalinae). Infrared pits, located between the eyes and nostrils.

Copper head : Copperhead is the most common venomous snake found in the eastern USand can be found throughout South Carolina. It is also known by the name "HighlandMoccasin." As a species, it belongs to the genus "Agkistrodon" which also includes theCottonmouth, also known as the "Water Moccasin". Copperheads are usually colorful andstrikingly patterned snakes. They derive their name from the copper-like coloring of thehead. The background color of the back and sides is tan to pinkish. Copperheads arevenomous, pit vipers.

Bites from Copperheads are seldom fatal; however, a bite may still produce seriousconsequences.

Gaboon Viper : This species of viper looks like the warrior of the snake world. The Gaboonviper is the largest viper in the world, usually reaching around 6 to 7 feet long. But it is notonly the length of the snake that makes it special, it's the length of the Gaboon viper's fangs.

This deadly viper possesses the longest fangs of any snake alive today. The Gaboon vipertypically feeds on small mammals and birds, using its enormous fangs to bring down its prey.This viper is just one of many deadly snakes that call Africa home.

42

Philippine Cobra : The venom this specie is the most deadly of all the Cobra species, andthey are capable of spitting it up to 3 meters.

The venom is a neurotoxin which affects cardiac and respiratory function, and can causeneurotoxicity, respiratory paralysis and death in thirty minutes. The bite causes only minimaltissue damage. The neurotoxins interrupt the transmission of nerve signals by binding to theneuro-muscular junctions near the muscles. The symptoms might include headache,nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, dizziness, collapse and convulsions.

Blue Krait : The Malayan or Blue Krait is, by far, the most deadly of this species. Foundthroughout South East Asia and Indonesia, 50% of bites from the deadly Blue Krait are fatal,even with the administration of antivenin. Kraits hunt and kill other snakes, evencannibalizing other Kraits. They are a nocturnal breed, and are more aggressive under thecover of darkness. However, overall they are quite timid and will often attempt to hide ratherthan fight.

The venom is a neurotoxin, 16 times more potent than that of a Cobra. It quickly inducesmuscle paralysis by preventing the ability of nerve endings to properly release the chemicalthat sends the message to the next nerve. This is followed by a period of massive overexcitation (cramps, tremors, spasms), which finally tails off to paralysis. Fortunately, bitesfrom Kraits are rare due to their nocturnal nature. Before the development of antivenin, thefatality rate was a whopping 85%. Even if antivenin is administered in time, you are far fromassured survival. Death usually occurs within 6-12 hours of a Krait bite. Even if patients

43

make it to a hospital, permanent coma and even brain death from hypoxia may occur, givenpotentially long transport times to get medical care.

Belcher’s Sea Snake : The most venomous snake known in the world, a few milligrams isstrong enough to kill 1000 people! Less than 1/4 of bites will contain venom, and they arerelatively docile.

Fisherman are usually the victims of these bites, as they encounter the species when theypull nets from the ocean. Found throughout waters off South East Asia and NorthernAustralia.

Anaconda : Even though this is a non-venomous snake, its sheer size and strength makes itscariest snakes in the world. The anaconda is the heaviest boa constrictor in the world, andlives primarily in the South American Tropics. Anacondas live typically, in swamps and bogs,as they are great swimmers. Anacondas can reach lengths up to 30 feet sometimes longer,and have been known to eat very large animals, such as deer. The anaconda has even beenknown to attack and eat jaguars. Because the snake is nearly 600 pounds, a jaguar is nomatch for its incredible muscle mass.

44

Eminent Indian Personalities related to this field :

1. Dr. Himmatrao Bawaskar : His main domain of research is in the effect of scorpionstings. The death of people from scorpion bites inspired him to work on finding, thedrugs for scorpion bites. His research of treatment of severe scorpion sting with thehelp of Prazosin has reduced the death rate due to severe scorpion sting to less than1% which was greater than 60% before his research. He managed the cases withoutuse of scorpion antivenom which is expensive, needs laboratory, animals and notfree from severe anaphylaxis reactions. His research has not only helped India butalso tropical and subtropical countries like Israel, Trinidad, Brazil Saudi Arabia,Turkey etc. It is important to note that this life time research is done from day to daysearning of family and without help of any funding agency. He hails from poor illiteratefarmer’s family. He worked as waiter, labors and maid servant to support hiseducation. After working as medical officer at PHC and other rural hospitals, since1986 he runs his own hospital at Mahad, Raigad, Maharashtra having intensive careunit, he and his doctor wife manage the acute medical emergency without anytrained medical staffs. Dr. has published more than 50 papers in national andinternational journals on various medical issues related to social concern The Lancet,Heart, Tropical Doctor, Transaction of Royal Society, Tropical Medicine JAPI, Q. J.Med. Toxicon, etc. on scorpion sting, snake bite, hypothyroidism, acute myocardialinfarction, chloroquine toxicity; HIV, BCG vaccine etc. He was invitee to national andinternational medical conferences, awarded with a Dr. Mehta and Patel award for hisbest paper published in JAPI 2007) & also honoured with many civil & pubic awards.His autobiography written in Marathi language are “ Baristerch kart” and “Me DrHimmatrao boltoy”. (Ref : Anil Agrawal's Internet Journal of Forensic Medicine andToxicology)

2. Romulus Whitaker : Romulus Earl Whitaker is a herpetologist, wildlifeconservationist and founder of the Madras Snake Park, The Andaman and NicobarEnvironment Trust (ANET), and the Madras Crocodile Bank Trust. In 2005 he was awinner of a Whitley Award for outstanding leadership in nature conservation. He usedthis award to found the Agumbe Rainforest Research Station in Karnataka, for thestudy of King Cobras and their habitat. In 2008, Whitaker was selected as anAssociate Laureate in the 2008 Rolex Awards for Enterprise, for his efforts to createa network of rainforest research stations throughout India. Rom helped the Irula tribeto get involved in extracting snake venom used for the productionof antivenom drugs. He is currently coordinating an effort to save the Gharial,a Critically endangered species of Crocodile on the brink of extinction with less than250 individuals left in Indian waters. He was producer of the 1996, 53 minute, Super16 mm wildlife documentary ‘The King and I’ which received the Emmy Award forOutstanding News and Documentary Program Achievement, 1998. He has authoredseveral scientific articles and popular books on reptiles, especially on snakes,including the comprehensive field guide, titled "Snakes of India - The Field Guide" in2004 on the Snakes of India. He apprenticed from 1963 to 1965 at the MiamiSerpentarium with Bill Haast, whom he affectionately calls his "guru". (Ref : fromWikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

45

3. Dr. Prakash Amate : Dr. Prakash Muralidhar Amte is a medical doctor and socialworker. He obtained a medical degree from GMC, Nagpur. He moved to Hemalkasato start the Lok Biradari Prakalp in 1973, a project for the development of tribalpeople in the forests of Gadchirolli district. The project transformed into three thingsa Lok Biradari Prakalp Davakhana, a residential school and an orphanage for injuredwild animals – ‘ the Amte’s Animal Arc’, this rehabilitation center for wild animal islively example of care & respect to nature and it’s all habitants. The Lok BiradariPrakalp seeks to improve health and educational services for tribals in the area.Hemalkasa lies in a tribal belt and the project provides health care to about 40000individuals annually. The Lok Biradari Prakalp Ashram School has over 600 students,residents and day scholars. Dr Prakash Amte has written marathi books like"Prakashvata" & "Negal". He and his wife, Dr. Mandakini Amte were awardedthe Magsaysay Award for 'Community Leadership' in 2008 fortheir philanthropic work in the form of the Lok Biradari Prakalp amongst the MadiaGonds in Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra and the neighboring states of AndhraPradesh and Madhya Pradesh. (Ref : from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

4. Neelimkumar Khaire : He is Eminent herpetologist, closely associated with thestudy and conservation of snakes over four decades. He is the Director of the ‘SnakePark’ and ‘Rehabilitation Centre for Animals’, Pune. He is also founder of the ‘IndianHerpetological Society’. So far he has published five award winning books aboutSnakes & Animals. (Ref : SNAKES by Neelimkumar Khaire, Jyotsna Prakashan)

46

TAKALE CHARITABLE TRUSTRegd. No. E-592 (Shirdhon, Panvel, Raigad, Maharahstra-410206).

First floor, ‘KALAVIHAR’ Build, Near Bartakke Dental Clinic, Shivaji Road, Line Ali, Panvel, MH-410206.Ph – 9967584554 / 7738984852 / 9224681972.

Respected Sir / Madam,

‘Takale Charitable Trust’ has planned to organize a Lectures with slide show under our “ ScienceCommunication & Youth empowerment Program ” based on following topics. The organization is conductingthese sessions to popularize science & technology among masses as well as to develop scientific temperamentin the students & general public. These are completely free, social awareness cum educational programs and

are open for all. Lectures are delivered in marazI, Hindi & English. Details are as below:

Speaker : Santosh Takale [B. Tech. (Mech.) Scientific Officer-F, BARC, Mumbai]

Date, Timing & Venue : Suitable to Speaker & Organisers ( BaaYaa - marazI, Hindi & English ).

Min. no. of audience : 100 Nos.

Details of Program : (Few programs will be with Slide shows of 60 to 100 minutes) :

1. Sky Observation with and without Telescope ( AakaSa inarIxaNa).2. Understanding the Universe ( ivaSvaacao AMtrMga).3. Snakes- Myths & Facts. ( saap : samaja - gaOrsamaja).4. Career Guidance ( kiryar maaga-dSa-na).5. Atom for Peace (ANaU tM~&ana).6. Evolution of Life & Minds.7. Ancient Indian Astronomy.8. Nature around Us.9. Life is Special.10. Communication skills.11. Personality Development.12. Science, Scientists & Inventions.13. Climate Change & Global Warming.14. Being a good teacher & a good Parent.15. Science Toys with Practical Demonstration.16. Understanding the greatness of Shivaji Maharaj.17. Being true Citizen of Country with vast diversity-India.

18. Human Society : Myths & Facts (maanavaI samaaja : samaja - gaOrsamaja).19. Management techniques & Time Management (vyavasqaapna kaOSalya va vaoLcao inayaaojana).20. Manufacturing/Fabrication technology & Non Destructive Testing for Professionals & Students.

Requirements - Safe sitting place for audience with lesser illumination for proper visibility of projected slides. 2nos. of electric supply points with earthing. The advance intimation & booking of the dates & time can be doneby contacting Trust office. Your courteous help is expected. Regards.

Trustee,

Takale Charitable Trust

47

About the Author :

Santosh Takale is senior Scientific Officer at Bhabha Atomic Research Center, Mumbai. Hehas done B. Tech in Mechanical Engineering & advance studies in Nuclear Engineering atBARC, Mumbai. He has obtained many certification in the field of Welding, NonDestructive Testing & Radiation Safety, which includes IWE (International WeldingEngineer) & ISNT Level III in Ultrasonic Testing & ASNT Level II in Radiographic Testing,Eddy Current Testing, Dye Penetrant testing, Visual Inspection & Magnetic ParticleTesting.

He is Founder of ‘TAKALE CHARITABLE TRUST’ & ‘Institute for Computer & InformationTechnology-Panvel’. He is President of Sky Watcher’s Association of Raigad. He is alsoHonorary/Life member of many oraganisations in technical & social field.

He has been honoured with award of ‘PANVEL BHUSHAN’, ‘PANVEL GAURAV’, ‘PANVELGUNIJAN’, ‘MAHARASHTRA GAURAV’, ‘YASHWANT GAURAV’ & ‘RASHTRA GAURAV’ forhis outstanding contribution in the field of science & technology as well as social field.

Email : s_tacs@rediffmail.com / santoshatbarc@gmail.com

About TAKALE CHARITABLE TRUST :

‘TAKALE CHARITABLE TRUST’ has been established & funded by Santosh Takale to spreadEducation & Computer literacy among masses. Trust runs it’s own Computer Institute for poor &needy students. Till date more than 10000 students have taken benefit from same. Trust also offersfree of cost guidance for various vocational courses, which includes field of NDT, Welding,Preparation for competitative examinations, Personality development, Career Guidance &Communication skills & Language courses.

Trust mainly works for Youth empowerment, Science Communication/Popularisation, SocialForestry, Conservation of Natural resources & Protection of wild life. Trust also organizes freemedical camps at remote, tribal areas. All the activities of Trust are managed by Vaishali Takale.

Trust organizes All india level, Open essay competition on current, happening topics. Till dateSEZ-Merits & Demerits, Global warming & Social Forestry, Human Society & Superstitions are thetopics covered. The intent was to spread awareness among masses.

Trust annually felicitates Citizens, Teachers & NGO’s involved in philanthropic work, ScienceCommunication & eradication of superstitions, to encourage such social activities in society.

As a part of self initiative for Youth empowerment, science communication, eradication ofsuperstitions & Conservation of Natural resources/Wild life, various sessions/lectures areconducted in School, Colleges & Villages on above topics. Till date (Aug-2013) more than 350numbers of such programs are conducted all over India & approximately 70000 numbers of generalpublic has been addressed.

Website : www.takalecharitabletrust.org