The serpentarium is set to become a pioneering centre for the development of these specialised anti-venoms, ensuring that treatments are tailored to the unique venom profiles of the Karnataka region. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
A serpentarium dedicated to snakebite research was inaugurated at Rathnapuri near Hunsur in Mysuru district on Monday.
Set up by Liana Trust, under the auspices of the Forest Department of Karnataka, the Serpentarium - dedicated to snakebite research, management, and mitigation - is the first of its kind in the country.
It houses seven species, including the Common Krait, Russel’s Viper, Saw Scaled Viper, Spectacled Cobra, King Cobra, and two species of Pit Viper – the Malabar Pit Viper and Nose Pit Viper.
The newly inaugurated serpentarium is set to become a pioneering centre for the development of these specialised anti-venoms, ensuring that treatments are tailored to the unique venom profiles of the Karnataka region.
“This initiative represents a significant step forward in the fight against snakebite and the conservation of snake species,” noted a statement from the organisers.
Gerard Martin, founder trustee of Liana Trust, told The Hindu that the serpentarium will provide venom samples free of charge for research institutions and companies producing life-saving anti-venom.
“An effective anti-venom for a snakebite can be produced only by using the venom of the same species,” he said.
A demonstration of the extraction of venom from a snake was also held during the inauguration.
According to Lisa Gonzalves, the curator of the serpentarium, the facility comprises about 40 snakes belonging to the common krait variety which are kept in the indoor facility. The 22 Russel’s vipers and 16 cobras are housed in other enclosures.
The serpentarium will not only facilitate a deeper understanding of the human-snake interactions and enable the development of more effective treatments for snakebite victims but will also serve as a centre for training in snake husbandry, research, and conservation, fostering a new generation of experts in these fields.
Noted herpetologist Romulus Whitaker, who was also present on the occasion, pointed out that snakebites represented a huge health problem in India, and the collection of venom for the production of anti-venom played a crucial role in the implementation of the national action plan for snakebites.
The serpentarium in Rathnapuri will help in the regional production of venom for regional anti-venoms, he said before adding that the venture will help save “hundreds of thousands of lives” lost to snakebites.
Deputy Conservator of Forests, Hunsur, Fayazuddin, said the Forest Department was engaged in man-animal conflicts involving wild animals like leopards and elephants, but it did not have any data on snakebites. Also, the department does not have any provision to provide compensation for snakebite victims. However, he said the Forest Department would extend its support to the venture in whatever way it could.
Published - February 10, 2025 08:31 pm IST
