Assam: Snake awareness among children

GUWAHATI, May 22, 2018: Nesting season of snakes has picked up in marshy wetland of the Bhitarkanika National Park with reptiles, including king cobras and pythons, laying eggs in large numbers.

The national park is fast emerging as a safe habitat for venomous snakes. "The mangrove eco-system here is home to more than 3,000 snakes, including cobras and pythons. The very mention of these venomous snakes creates fear psychosis among the people although these carnivorous reptiles attack humans when threatened and intimidated. We are planning to educate the people about the snakes," said divisional forest officer, Rajnagar Mangrove (wildlife) forest division Bimal Prasanna Acharya.

"People living in the fringe villages of the national park would be made aware that the most of snakes are non-poisonous and harmless. We are trying to create awareness about snakes among children, identifying the venomous and non-venomous ones. We will also discuss with them how to handle snakes when they sneak into houses or other places of human habitation," he said.

As the national park is free from human interference, snakes are safely ensconced in the 145sqkm mangrove forest.

"The forest department is organising awareness camps among the villagers within the park and its nearby areas for protection of wildlife. We are trying to convince the people to save the snakes so that the balance of the nature's food chain is not affected," said Acharya.

Source: The Telegraph

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