A campaign, titled ‘I Brake For Snakes’, was recently launched at the first Serpentdine event, organised by Goa-based conservation enterprise, Herpactive. The aim of the campaign is to reduce the number of deaths of snakes and other wildlife on Goa’s roads.
Herpactive, led by noted photographer and herpetologist, Nirmal Kulkarni, will lead the campaign, whose stickers and logo were launched last month.
Over 40 rescuers, researchers and snake enthusiasts from Goa, Sindhudurg and Karnataka participated in the event, and shared their views on snake rescue, rehabilitation and threats.
Every year, many snakes are run over while crossing Goa’s roads, particularly during the monsoon months. Through this campaign, the organisers hope to raise awareness about this issue among motorists, and thus save the lives of snakes as well as other local species.
BITES, RESCUES & MORE
Nirmal expressed hope that vehicle drivers would slow down when they see a snake, frog or any animal crossing the road, especially in forested areas in the state.
Speakers including Benhail Antao, Amrut Singh and Alex Carpentar spoke of the need for habitat conservation and tolerance for snakes so as to reduce human-snake conflicts, while snake rescuer, Aaron Fernandes, highlighted the challenges faced by rescuers.
Dr Freston Marc Sirur spoke about emerging trends in snake bite treatments and related issues.
Alex Carpenter was felicitated for his contribution towards bringing the snake community together, and starting the Snakes Id whatsapp group.
On the other hand, Amrut Singh was felicitated for his lifelong dedication to training snake rescuers, and also starting the rescue movement in Goa’s hinterlands.
During the event, the ‘I Brake For Snakes’ car bumper sticker was launched, while efforts were also made to raise funds in aid of a rescue centre in Goa.
