15-year-old Sampath Kantimahanti
VISAKHAPATNAM: The 15-year-old Sampath Kantimahanti from Srikakulam is spearheading efforts to safeguard snakes and mitigate human-wildlife conflicts along with his initiative, Snake Speek. His journey commenced throughout the realm of his father’s environmental organisation, ‘Green Mercy,’ the place he sought solace in wildlife following the premature lack of his mom throughout his early childhood.
Reflecting on his early years, Sampath recalled, “I used to travel with my father because I was afraid of living alone in the house.” His involvement in Green Mercy’s consciousness campaigns because the age of eight has fueled his ardour for wildlife conservation.
Motivated by the surge in native snake rescue requests acquired by his household, Sampath launched ‘Snake Speek’ final yr. The mission’s main goal is to teach communities, particularly farmers and villagers, on preventive measures towards snake bites and dispel misconceptions surrounding the reptiles. In explaining his drive, Sampath expressed, “Witnessing the fervour of students during awareness camps spurred me to initiate Snake Speek. Our aim is to foster harmony between humans and snakes through education and awareness.”
The initiative employs varied methods, together with interactive shows, instructional movies, and discussions, to disseminate information about conservation of snakes and biodiversity. Additionally, the mission conducts outreach programmes in conflict-prone communities, facilitating dialogue and selling coexistence with wildlife.
Drawing on his experiences, Sampath famous, “Collaborating with professional snake rescuers ensures the protection of both humans and snakes. Through my interactions with students, I identify areas of heightened human-wildlife conflicts, enabling timely interventions.”
Since its inception, Snake Speek has reached roughly 300 college students and engaged with over 60 villages in Srikakulam district. Sampath’s involvement extends past consciousness campaigns, as he actively responds to non-venomous snake rescue calls, contributing to the rescue of over 50 snakes. “Growing up with dogs taught me the unconditional nature of wildlife and the imperative to conserve and protect them,” he shared.
With aspirations to determine a wildlife refuge, devoted to snakes, within the Eastern Ghats, Sampath’s imaginative and prescient underscores his dedication to wildlife conservation in India.
