Visakhapatnam :

For the first time in Andhra Pradesh, a Snake Saver Society (SSS) has been formed exclusively for protecting snakes and generating public awareness. With widespread misconception and fear resulting in many snakes getting killed, some snake lovers got together to set up the society and a snake rescue habitat, which was launched at Gajuwaka on Monday. The society will also impart training to those interested in catching snakes and releasing them into the safety of forests.

Certified snake-catcher from Andhra and SSS president Rokkam Kiran Kumar, said, “The aim is to generate awareness about snakes and train people in snake catching. We will be collaborating with the forest department and GVMC in this regard. We already have 16 members, who will visit schools, industries, residential colonies and surrounding villages to educate people.”

According to experts, only four of the snake varieties found in Vizag and the surrounding Eastern Ghats are poisonous — viper, cobra, krait and branded krait. The rest are non-venomous but end up getting killed when they venture into residential areas.

“Snakes are an important part of the environment. They they kill rats and prevent them from destroying crops,” said Kiran, who has saved 17,000 snakes in the past decade. SSS secretary Nageshwar Rao said 10 people are being trained to catch snakes in the city. “If you spot snakes, don’t kill them. Call the snake helpline: 9849140500,” Rao said.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Visakhapatnam / TNN / September 16th, 2014