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December 4, 2023India’s Big 4 Snakes: A Dive into Biodiversity and Culture
Shed skin of the Indian Cobra (Naja Naja) found in the coffee forest of Poomaale 1.0 Collective in Coorg
It’s pitch dark in the depths of a forest. You’re surrounded by nothing but dense foliage and chords of critters. Wearing a head torch and calculating every move, you’re careful not to step on a being of nature. Adrenaline is coursing through your veins at the interplay of curiosity and caution, and before you know it, you find yourself in the sight of a serpent. Would you take a moment to summon your calm, or would you let fright overcome you?
India, famously known as “the land of snake charmers”, is laden with diverse landscapes and rich biodiversity and is home to many snake species. Among them, the Big 4 Snakes stand out for their significance, both in ecological terms and in the nation’s cultural fabric.
Having 3 collectives in the lush tropical rainforests of Coorg (Poomaale 1.0, Poomaale 2.0 & Co-Forest or Hammiyala Collective) in the Western Ghats, our on-ground team often encounters various kinds of snakes, from the widely Indian Cobra and common Kraits to the endemic Malabar Pit Vipers & Wayanad Shieldtails. The term “Big Four” in the context of Indian snakes usually refers to the 4 venomous species considered the most venomous and medically significant due to their venom strength and the frequency of snakebite incidents.
The Big Four Snakes of India
1. The Indian Cobra (Naja Naja)
Also known as the King Cobra, revered for its majestic appearance and the iconic hood that it spreads when threatened, it is the longest venomous snake globally, reaching lengths of over 18 feet. This species is native to the Indian subcontinent, inhabiting diverse ecosystems such as forests, grasslands, and agricultural areas. While not separately evaluated for conservation status, the species faces habitat loss.
Carnivorous by nature, Indian Cobras feed on small mammals, birds, and reptiles, using venom to subdue prey, helping control the population of potentially harmful species. In terms of human health, Cobra bites demand immediate medical intervention, highlighting the significance of antivenom availability. However, fatalities are uncommon due to the availability of antivenom in most places.
2. The Common Krait (Bungarus caeruleus)
Also known as the Indian Krait, it is recognised for its glossy black colour and nocturnal habits. Typically smaller than other Big 4 snakes of India, it is a highly venomous snake, measuring around 3 feet in length. The snake’s range includes South Asian countries like India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal. It thrives in various environments, including farmlands, grasslands, and human settlements, increasing the chances of encounters.
When it comes to human health, medical attention is required, and antivenom administration is crucial. Identifying the snake responsible can be challenging due to its nocturnal and elusive nature. The species holds cultural significance in various regions associated with mythology and beliefs. Conservation status needs to be well-documented, facing threats like habitat destruction.
3. The Russell’s Viper (Daboia russelii)
The Russell’s Viper is a venomous snake with a distinctive triangular head and a chain-like pattern on its body. Key features include its robust size, averaging 1.2 to 1.5 meters, variable yellow, brown, or grey colouration with darker patches, and distinctive broad head. This species is prevalent in various habitats, including grasslands, shrublands, and farmlands, and can be found in regions ranging from the Himalayan foothills to the southern tip of the subcontinent.
Found across a vast range, including India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, and parts of China, Russell’s Viper inhabits diverse environments, from grasslands to forests. Its nocturnal and terrestrial behaviour, carnivorous feeding habits, and ambush predation heighten the risk of human-snake conflict. Snake bites are serious, requiring immediate medical attention and antivenom administration for effective treatment. While its conservation status is not separately evaluated, habitat loss and road mortality pose threats.
4. The Saw-scaled Viper (Echis carinatus)
The Saw-scaled Viper (Echis carinatus) is a venomous snake found in South Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Typically small, measuring 30 to 60 centimetres, it is recognised by its keeled scales and variable brown, grey, or reddish-brown colouration. These vipers are nocturnal and territorial, inhabiting diverse environments, from arid deserts to rocky terrain. They are known for their distinctive warning sound produced by rubbing scales together. Their diet comprises small mammals, birds, and reptiles, with venom aiding prey subjugation.
Snakebites from Saw-scaled Vipers require prompt medical attention and antivenom administration. Access to healthcare is crucial for favourable outcomes, particularly in regions where these vipers are prevalent. While the conservation status is not separately evaluated, potential threats include habitat destruction and human-wildlife conflict.
Ecological Roles
The Big Four Snakes play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance, especially in coffee forests, where they are usually found slithering in the shade of the forest canopy. The King Cobra, being a proficient snake hunter, helps control the numbers of other snake species, particularly those that may pose a threat to humans. Russell’s Viper and the Indian Krait contribute to pest control, especially in rice farming, by preying on rodents and smaller snakes, playing an essential role in maintaining the delicate balance of the food chain as well as the health of forest ecosystems.
To know more about what snakes indicate in a coffee forest ecosystem, read our blog on – What Snakes Tell About the Health of Coffee Forests.
Cultural Significance of Snakes India
In Indian culture, snakes hold a multifaceted significance. They are revered and feared, often associated with various deities in Hindu mythology. The King Cobra, in particular, is considered divine, and its image adorns many Hindu temples. Snakes are also central to various folk traditions and rituals, with their presence symbolising both danger and protection.
To learn more about the cultural significance of snakes in India, head to our blog – Snakes & India: A Mythological Link.
Human-Snake Conflict & Conservation of Snakes
Despite their ecological importance and cultural significance, the Big 4 Snakes in India face numerous threats. Habitat loss due to urbanisation, deforestation, and agricultural expansion poses a significant risk to their survival. Additionally, persecution by humans, driven by fear and misunderstanding, is a pervasive issue. The illegal wildlife trade, driven by demand for snake skins, body parts, and live specimens, further exacerbates the challenges these species face.
Human-snake conflict is a pressing issue, especially in densely populated regions. Encounters with these snakes often result in panic, leading to unnecessary fatalities for both humans and snakes. The lack of awareness and proper training in handling snake encounters contributes to the conflict.
Numerous measures can be implemented to safeguard the Big 4 Snakes and mitigate human-snake conflict. First and foremost, raising awareness about the ecological importance of these snakes and dispelling myths surrounding them is crucial. Educational programs targeting communities living in snake-prone areas can promote coexistence and reduce unnecessary killings. Preserving and restoring natural habitats is fundamental for the survival of these species. Conservation initiatives should focus on creating and maintaining corridors that allow these snakes to move freely between fragmented habitats. Implementing sustainable and holistic agricultural practices such as permaculture farming that minimises harm to snake habitats is another vital step. Furthermore, collaborative efforts between government agencies, non-profit organisations, and local communities are key to the success of conservation initiatives.
At Beforest Collectives, we are blessed with healthy populations of native biodiversity, including snakes. Our measures like preserving 50% of the landscape as minimal-intervention wilderness zones, requisite education and training of the on-ground team about the behaviors of various species we share the landscape with, and large-scale forest-friendly permaculture farming initiatives are helping us gradually find an equilibrium between human and animal lifestyles.
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