Friends of Snakes Society completes 30 years rescuing reptiles in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh

Hyderabad-based Friends of Snakes Society (FOS), whose members are actively involved in rescuing snakes in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, completed 30 years on June 30.

To commemorate the anniversary and in the lead-up to World Snake Day (July 16), it would launch a Snakebite Mitigation initiative to reduce snake bite deaths in the two Telugu States by half by 2030.

A key component of the initiative is a dedicated website, www.snakebite.in, which would be launched in a few days. It would feature information on a hospital locator tool for snake bite treatment; first aid protocols for snakebites; a 24/7 snake identification cell where people can submit photos online and region-specific information on venomous snake species and venomous snakes distribution map.

“In addition to the digital platform, FOS will conduct snake bite mitigation and management workshops at various levels, targeting local health workers, school teachers, panchayat leaders, and forest personnel,” said Avinash Visvanathan, general secretary of the Society.

The focus will be on areas where incidence of snake bites is high. Mr. Avinash said that they would reach out to people in rural areas, communities and healthcare workers in Primary Health Centres in such regions.