Promising times for snakes: 2000 snake catchers ready to assist in rescue

Cherpu: The increase in the number of government-licensed rescuers becomes a boon for snakes. The usual practice of battering a snake to death as soon as people spot it is gradually ending. Earlier, there were only four or five licensed snake-catchers in each district but now, more than two thousand people have secured licences in the state. 200 women, including Kristelle Hart, a foreigner from Ernakulam are included in this list.

The Sarpa App (Snake Awareness Rescue and Protection App) which was launched in 2021 by the Wildlife Trust of India for protection of snakes, raising awareness and ensuring the safety of people has brought about a significant change, Y. Mohammed Ansar, Assistant wildlife conservator and state nodal officer of Sarpa app said. 

The spreading of awareness that killing snakes is a crime that is punishable by law also helped. Forest department trainer and rescuer Joju Mukutukkara said that through the pages of experts on social media, people are able to learn more about snakes. It also helps in expelling some fear that people have. 

As per the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, killing snakes is punishable with a fine amounting to Rs 25,000 or imprisonment for three years. Killing of pythons (perumpambu) is a Schedule 1 punishment with imprisonment for six years or fine. Indian rat snakes (chera), cobra (moorkan), Russell’s Viper (anali), Asiatic water snake (neerkoli), King Cobra (rajavembala), etc are included in the second schedule.

Yearly data of snakes reported and rescued

Number of people trained (District-wise)