Snakes have survived and evolved for tens of millions of years. Though they have adapted quite well to 'man-made' crop-lands, gardens and cities, for example, they are vulnerable to the rapid changes we make to these places. The destruction of 'green spaces' in our cities and the way we degrade land have outpaced their ability to survive. A lack of awareness, general apathy, and our fear of them have also contributed to the loss in no small measure!
The threats snakes face from us are linked to the different 'lifestyles' they have. The arboreal species that live on trees (like the Vine snake amidst the foliage, or the Cat snake in tree crevices) can be wiped out by the loss of greenery. Fossorial or burrowing forms like sand-boas, shield-tails, Kukris and the Worm snake, can get eliminated by digging and earth-moving. aquatic species like the Checkered Keelback can lose a home and a survival, by the draining of tanks and lakes. urbanisation helps only some — such as the Cobra and Rat snake — that can hide in structures that we create and are able to feed on rats that multiply in our midst. But for all, including the vast majority of snakes which are land -living or terrestrial, it is indeed a hard battle for survival. We just need more green spaces which are left alone in our cities to give all these species a chance to survive! And we do need to realise and accept that these life forms have a role to play in nature, which they do well too!
If you see a snake on your premises, do not panic: it could be a harm-less one. leave the snake alone since it could move away on its own. Do not get agitated and kill or injure the snake. In case you call a snake rehabilitator, have the snake released locally. a long distance relocation is neither needed nor advisable.
Precautions: When in snake country, be alert and use a light while walking about at night. Careless walking or running around could be dangerous. Use shoes and exercise caution while playing in areas surrounded by rocks and shrubbery. Do not put your hands into dark corners and crevices, or wear shoes without checking first.
First aid: Even the bite of a venomous snake is usually never fatal and most persons often succumb to mere shock. The only venomous snakes we have to contend with are the Cobra, the krait, the Saw-scaled and Russell’s Vipers (see pictures). Key factors in a venomous snake bite mishap are the quantity of venom injected, age and physical condition of the person, and the time gap between the bite and the treatment. If bitten by a venomous snake, use a pressure bandage on the heart side of the bite, to slow down blood flow to and from the bit-ten limb. Never cut the flow completely. Ensure that the bitten person remains calm and rush him/her to a good hospital with a 'ventilator'. avoid all beverages and cardio-stimulants. Remember that anti-venom is the only effective treatment for a snake bite. Any delay in proper treatment could even prove fatal!
TEXT FROM THE 'SNAKES AT RISK' POSTER BY KRISHNA MB, SUNIL KUMAR M, SRINIVASA TS, 2006.
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