Let’s make the most out of this fantastic opportunity to celebrate the most feared species on the planet Earth. Every July 16, the world celebrates World Snake Day, a chance to appreciate these creatures who are often misunderstood. The motive is clearly to raise awareness about their conservation. Snakes own a slithering reputation, however, play a crucial role in our ecosystem.
India is a land of biodiversity. There are more than 300 snake species with over 60 being venomous. The most crucial five are:
First on the list is the Big Four. This infamous group comprises highly venomous snakes and is responsible for the most snakebite fatalities in India. These include;
- Indian Cobra which is recognizable by its hood markings, a widespread species injects potent neurotoxic venom.
- Russell’s Viper is a heavily-bodied viper with a triangular head. It injects a complex venom with hemotoxins and cytotoxins.
- Common Krait is often active in night. This shy snake has a highly potent neurotoxic venom.
- Saw-scaled Viper is found in sandy areas, this small viper has cytotoxic venom that can cause severe tissue damage.
- While not the part of the Big Four, this World Snake Day, let’s cherish the world’s longest venomous snake found in India, the King Cobra. Found in the Western Ghats and some of the Northeastern parts of India, its venom is a mix of cytotoxins and neurotoxins.
Join our whatsapp group for Latest updates