As on date six cobras, 190 rat snakes and about 40 other non venomous snakes are under quarantine
Chennai: Following a five-time increase in the number of panic calls received at the city wildlife headquarters Velachery seeking rescue of snakes in residential areas, the forest department has appointed 40 Irula tribes (snake catchers) as temporary workers.
The forest department is planning to extend their service for a few more days as weather office forecast more rains. “Straying of snakes during monsoon is something common in Chennai, Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur, but this year the number of calls and rescue has reached an all-time high,” said city wildlife headquarters ranger S. David Raj.
During the peak five days of rains, 236 calls were received leading to rescue of 232 snakes. For a day, usually it is 6 to 8 calls and during monsoon the number of calls doubles up, but this year it is a heavy task for the department staff, the ranger said.
As on date six cobras, 190 rat snakes and about 40 other non venomous snakes are under quarantine. They will be soon released in the wild. During last peak monsoon season, a total of 194 snakes were rescued. Members of public can contact wildlife helpline 044 22200335 and should refrain from handling or attacking snakes, the ranger added. According to wildlife sources, the capital city has been recording a 5-10 per cent increase every year in rescue of snakes and other small wild animals like jackal, deer, ant eater and porcupine.
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( Source : deccan chronicle )
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