Reptiles have been residents of this planet for thousands and thousands of years, however habitat fragmentation because of anthropogenic actions poses a number of challenges to their survival. A brand new and complete examine has shockingly revealed that of the ten,196 reptile species throughout 24 nations together with India, not less than 1,829 or 21.1% are threatened with extinction.
Considering the pressing have to safe reptiles, Wildlife SOS has been working tirelessly to rescue these present in conditions of misery. A results of this was mirrored within the astounding complete of two,300 reptiles that had been saved in 2023. These included crocodiles, turtles, snakes, in addition to lizards. They had been supplied with a second likelihood at life after alarming calls had been acquired on our 24×7 emergency rescue helplines throughout 4 areas within the nation – Agra-Mathura, Delhi-NCR, Baroda, and Jammu and Kashmir.
Let’s take you thru the intricacies of reptile rescues that our group professionally conducts every day.
What Happens When You Call
When a name describing an uncommon sighting of a reptile is available in, we request the involved caller to additionally ship us a picture, if attainable, in order that the species could be recognized accurately. As a precautionary measure, we ask the informer and the individuals current on the web site to stay at a distance of not less than three metres from the reptile. Since the rescue calls for skilled experience, we by no means advise members of the general public to carry a snake or giant monitor, regardless of how secure they consider it’s. It can be essential to do not forget that any sort of human interplay could be tense for the animal.
Challenges on the Location
Our group, upon arriving on the location, rigorously inspects the location. They are educated to deal with reptiles in a approach that stops hurt to the animal, the encompassing individuals, and the rescuers. Sometimes it takes our group hours to trace the reptile, after which a strategic solution to safely seize it’s arrived at. Handlers are well-prepared for numerous potential outcomes, and infrequently put their very own lives in danger throughout this time. Another problem that our group typically confronts is the duty of controlling the agitated public that tends to assemble across the reptile, typically to get a better look and even to take photos. This is sure to trouble the animal, which causes the scenario to escalate, and an undesirable delay within the rescue.
In 2023, we noticed the harmful impression of the Yamuna floods within the Delhi-NCR area, throughout which Wildlife SOS rescued a number of helpless animals. Among them had been greater than 100 reptiles, together with species such because the Indian cobra, widespread Indian wolf snake, black-headed royal snake, Indian rat snake, checkered keelback, and Bengal monitor lizard.
Challenges in Handling the Reptile
As a defence mechanism, reptiles are prone to leap ahead and chunk in retaliation, or, in the event that they really feel threatened. To keep away from conditions the place actions can result in regrettable penalties, we strongly discourage individuals from dealing with reptiles independently. Large monitor lizards and snakes have to be skilfully handled to keep away from any hurt to the handler in addition to the animal.
In the case of sighting a snake, the information of species that exist in a single’s atmosphere is essential to know if the serpent is venomous, and whether it is one in all India’s Big Four. Any direct pores and skin contact with the serpent is due to this fact extremely suggested towards. Snake handlers are most conscious of the locality’s snake species. They ably use a snake hook so {that a} secure distance between them and the reptile could be maintained to stop any potential attack. Using a snake hook additionally permits the snake to maneuver freely with out feeling restricted or threatened.
Saving monitor lizards from surprising locations too requires skilful dealing with. Members of our group are aware about the right approach of holding the lizard between the index and center fingers in order to safe them rigorously. Holding their tail is critical as nicely to guarantee the security of each the lizard and the handler. Since each snakes and lizards require a educated, agency hand for his or her rescue, we encourage you to achieve out to the closest forest official or a wildlife organisation in case a reptile is noticed in your environment.
2,300: The Sum Of All Parts
In the yr passed by, tireless efforts led to the rescue of two,300 reptiles throughout the cities our Rapid Response Units function in, with Agra recording the very best quantity at 1,100! Among probably the most extricated species in Uttar Pradesh had been turtles, with a complete of 301. Other species included 244 Indian rat snakes, 137 widespread wolf snakes, 89 Bengal monitor lizards, 92 Indian rock pythons, 201 venomous spectacled cobras, 36 venomous widespread krait snakes, and eight mugger crocodiles. One of probably the most intriguing reptile rescues that took place in Agra concerned an Indian rock python that was discovered within the restroom of a analysis Institute. The employees was fast to achieve out to Wildlife SOS, which helped our group to conduct a well timed rescue and launch of the snake.
Delhi-NCR’s Rapid Response Unit rescued almost 350 reptiles in 2023. An uncommon sighting promptly reported by an worker at a development web site had our group rush to the placement. Here, a four-foot-long widespread krait was discovered, which was safely extricated, medically examined after which launched into the wild. In one other case from the capital area, a python was seen entangled in a web. Time was dedicated to disentangle the snake gently, and the python was thankfully discovered with no accidents.
In Vadodara, Gujarat, almost 750 reptiles had been saved, out of which one concerned the exceptional rescue of an Indian rock python from a 60-foot-deep open nicely. Our Rapid Response Unit carried out exceptionally by decreasing one in all its members into the nicely to grab the snake. An intensive examination was then carried out to guarantee that it was match for launch.
The group in Jammu and Kashmir carried out particular operations to rescue near 130 reptiles. These included generally discovered rat snakes and Himalayan trinkets, and the scarcely noticed Levantine viper, which is a venomous snake that’s recognised for its adaptability to colder climates.
The new yr has introduced with it a reinvigorated spirit to minimise human-wildlife battle conditions by conducting secure rescues of animals from human habitations. As Wildlife SOS continues its mission to guard and preserve wildlife, we additionally urge our supporters to achieve out to our Rapid Response Unit hotlines if you’re within the following areas and have come throughout any distressed animal:
Delhi-NCR: +91-9871963535
Agra, Uttar Pradesh: +91-9917109666
Vadodara, Gujarat: +91-9825011117
Jammu And Kashmir: +91-7006692300 or +91-9419778280
