Urban jungle, slithering heroes: How Friends of Snake Society is protecting Hyderabad’s wildlife
Hyderabad: In the rapidly growing city of Hyderabad, where urban expansion often encroaches on wildlife habitats, the Friends of Snake Society stands as a guardian for one of the most misunderstood creatures on the planet: the snake. Founded in 1995 by the late Rajkumar Kanwari, the society’s mission is clear: Rescue, Rehabilitate, and Conserve snakes while fostering a sense of respect and understanding for them among the public.
What started as a small group of nature enthusiasts, now over 160 strong, has evolved into an active force in Hyderabad, working tirelessly to protect snakes and their habitats. Avinash Visvanathan, the General Secretary of the Society, spoke to Hyderabad Mail about their ongoing efforts to create a safer space for both snakes and humans to coexist.
“The core of our work is simple: conservation,” said Avinash. “We rescue snakes that venture into human spaces, homes, offices, and even schools so that they don’t get hurt or cause panic. And, with the help of the Telangana Forest Department, we safely relocate them to their natural habitats, far away from urban areas.”
The Friends of Snake Society’s approach goes beyond snake rescues. The organization is deeply invested in education, conducting awareness workshops to inform the public about snakes, how to recognize different species, and how to avoid dangerous encounters. They also teach critical first-aid steps for snake bites, making sure people know what to do in case of an emergency.
While rescuing snakes is a major part of their work, the society also supports vital research and anti-poaching activities. They collaborate with the Forest Department to prevent illegal wildlife trade and protect snakes and other endangered species. These combined efforts are crucial, especially since snakes, like all wildlife, are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act.
The number of snakes rescued by the Friends of Snake Society has steadily risen over the years, a reflection of both the city’s rapid urbanization and the growing awareness about wildlife conservation. In 2024 alone, the society rescued a record 13,028 snakes, an impressive 90% increase compared to previous years. The majority of these rescues involved common species like the spectacled cobra and rat snake, which are two species that have adapted well to human-dominated environments. Other species, like the checkered keelback and Russell’s viper, are also frequently encountered.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the Friends of Snake Society’s work is the variety of snakes they encounter. Snakes, by nature, prefer to avoid humans, but as human activity pushes into their natural habitats, these creatures find themselves in places they’d rather not be.
“The spectacled cobra is one of the most common species we rescue,” said Avinash. “It’s a generalist feeder, which means it can adapt to various food sources, from rodents to birds. With its ability to fit into tight spaces, it can often end up in human spaces, leading to more rescues. The rat snake is another frequent rescuer, as it is well-suited to surviving in urban settings.”
The Importance of Snakebite Awareness
When a snakebite happens, panic often sets in, which only worsens the situation. But the Friends of Snake Society stresses that a snakebite doesn’t always mean a fatal encounter. Their guidelines for treating snakebites have become an essential part of their awareness programs.
“We follow the World Health Organization’s ‘Do It Right’ mnemonic,” Avinash explained. “The first step is to reassure the victim. Often, people panic, and that increases blood circulation, which can cause the venom to spread faster. Reassure them, then immobilize the affected area to slow the circulation.”
The next critical step is getting to a hospital as soon as possible. The treatment for snakebites is available only in medical facilities, where polyvalent anti-venom is administered.
“The key is to avoid traditional treatments like herbs or visiting quacks,” Avinash highlighted. “Only the proper anti-venom can treat the bite. If possible, take a photo of the snake or describe its symptoms to the doctor. That helps the medical team determine the appropriate treatment.”
How to Stay Safe
While the Friends of Snake Society works tirelessly to rescue snakes, they also highlight personal responsibility. Simple steps can prevent most encounters.
“Snakes don’t want to bite,” said Avinash. “They’re more scared of humans than we are of them. Bites often happen when someone accidentally steps on or disturbs a snake. It’s important to be aware of your surroundings, especially in areas where snakes are likely to be.”
A few practical tips from the society include:
• Check before you touch: Always check areas where snakes can hide, like under a shoe rack or in dark corners, before reaching into them.
• Be cautious outdoors: Use a flashlight when walking at night, especially in rural areas. Tap shoes or clothes before putting them on to make sure no snake has crawled inside.
• Sleep safely: In areas where snakes are common, sleep on a raised platform or use a mosquito net to avoid accidental encounters during the night.
Contacting the Friends of Snake Society
If you spot a snake or need assistance, the Friends of Snake Society can be reached through their helpline at 8374233366. The IVR system quickly directs your call to the nearest volunteer, who will arrive on-site within 15 to 20 minutes to safely remove and relocate the snake.
The number of rescues conducted by the Friends of Snake Society over the past decade is telling of the growing demand for their services. Here’s a snapshot of their rescue efforts over the years:
• 2015: 3,389 snakes
• 2016: 3,097 snakes
• 2017: 4,504 snakes
• 2018: 5,644 snakes
• 2019: 6,689 snakes
• 2020: 8,895 snakes
• 2021: 10,525 snakes
• 2022: 9,101 snakes
• 2023: 10,282 snakes
• 2024: 13,028 snakes
As the number of rescues increases, the Friends of Snake Society’s work has become more important. Their focus on rescuing snakes, educating the public, and working with government bodies highlights the challenges of living alongside wildlife in urban areas.
