Photo : Messenger
Recently, the most talked-about topic in Bangladesh is the Russell's viper. It has become a subject of widespread discussion as well as a matter of great fear among the general public. Excessive rumours have spread everywhere on this issue, which is not desirable at all. Rather, the main challenge has become to address the situation based on reality. Therefore, it is crucial to know the accurate information and data on this matter.
Many believe that this snake was carried in by floodwaters from India and has spread within a few days of arriving. This is largely a misconception. The snake is actually a permanent resident of our country. The local name of this snake is Chadnrabora. However, after being scarce for some time, its population and nuisance have significantly increased over the last 10 years. During this period, the snake has spread to nearly 25–27 districts in the country. Therefore, caution and vigilance are necessary.
The Venom Research Center has reported that this dangerous venomous snake is also present in India, Bhutan, Thailand, Cambodia, China, and Myanmar besides Bangladesh.
This snake typically lives in dry and semi-dry regions. They are commonly found in open fields, rocky areas, forests, bushes, and cultivated lands. They usually prefer to stay close to human habitations because there are plenty of rats and other small animals, which are their main food sources.
The Russell’s viper is an adaptable species that can tolerate a wide range of environmental conditions. However, it is particularly sensitive to changes in its habitat, particularly deforestation and agricultural activities. As a result, the snake’s population is declining in many parts of its range, and it is considered a threatened species in some areas.
The naming of this snake is associated with a Scottish researcher named Patrick Russell, who came to India during British rule.
In 1780, officials of the East India Company in Karnataka were terrified of snakes. Almost every day, some of their colleagues were falling victim to snake attacks. They started looking for someone who could help them identify which snakes were venomous and which were not.
At that time, Patrick Russell had come to India to study the natural history of the region. In 1781, the East India Company appointed the Scottish naturalist. He identified the Russell's Viper, scientifically named Daboia russelii, as the second most venomous snake after the cobra.
From then on, Patrick Russell began his research on the Russell's Viper. After returning to England, he wrote a book on snakes. This species of snake was named Russell's Viper in honour of his research on this venomous snake.
Other snakes usually lay eggs and the young hatch from these eggs. However, the Russell's viper gives birth to live young instead of laying eggs. This increases the chances of survival for the baby snakes. They can breed at any time of the year, but the highest breeding activity occurs from May and the following three months. After gestation, a female snake gives birth to 20 to 40 young. However, there are records of some Russell's vipers giving birth to up to 80 young.
A major misconception among people is that the Russell's viper chases and attacks humans. This belief increases public fear. In reality, this is not true. This snake is actually very lethargic in nature. The Russell's viper is primarily known as a nocturnal creature. In cooler weather, it becomes active during the day. Adult snakes of this species are slow and lethargic. Typically, they do not attack unless provoked. They can strike with lightning speed. The Russell's viper can exert so much force that it can lift large individuals off the ground. This behaviour often leads to the misconception that it 'chases' and bites people.
Areas where Russell's viper has been spotted, exercise extra caution when moving around:
Be careful when walking in tall grass, bushes, and agricultural areas. Do not put your hands or feet into holes.
Wear boots and long pants when working in the affected areas.
Always use a flashlight when moving around at night.
Keep the surroundings of your home clean and free of debris.
Be particularly cautious when removing fallen trees, firewood, and straw.
Do not try to catch or kill the snake if you see one.
If necessary, call the national helpline at 333 or inform the nearest forest department office.
If you are bitten by a Russell's viper, you need to follow certain guidelines to manage the situation effectively. According to experts:
First and foremost, do not panic if you are bitten by a Russell's viper. Try to remain as calm as possible. This is one of the most important things to do if bitten by a Russell's viper.
If a Russell's viper bites or strikes you, the area where the snake has bitten should not be moved.
If this snake bites your leg, you must sit down and avoid walking. If it bites your hand, you must keep your hand still. This is because moving your hand or leg will cause the venom to spread more quickly through your bloodstream.
If bitten by a Russell's viper, go to the nearest hospital as quickly as possible and seek medical advice.
What not to do if bitten by a snake:
Do not attempt to suck out the venom from the bite area.
Do not try to cut the bite area or induce bleeding to remove the venom.
Do not apply ice, heat, or any chemicals to the wound.
Do not leave the victim alone.
Do not tightly bind the bite area, as this will not prevent the spread of venom and may cause the victim to become disabled.
Refrain from attempting to catch the venomous snake. Even a dead snake should be handled cautiously, as the nerves in a freshly dead snake can remain active for a while and may still be capable of biting.
Antivenom for Russell's viper and all other types of snake venom is available for free at your nearest hospital.
Snake researchers claim that most of the information circulating on social media about Russell's viper or Chandrabora snake is rumor. They believe that this misinformation endangers not only Russell's viper but all types of snakes, which could have devastating environmental consequences. Additionally, doctors state that antivenom for Chandrabora snake bites is adequately stocked in all government hospitals.
Experts say that snakes play an invaluable role in preserving biodiversity. In fact, snakes are friends of nature and an integral and essential part of the natural environment. Among the top predators in the ecosystem, snakes are prominent. Killing snakes as part of nature will affect the entire ecosystem. If snakes are killed in crop fields, the rodent population will increase. Typically, rats destroy 10 to 20 percent of crops each year. Therefore, indiscriminately killing snakes will increase the number of rodents, reducing crop production. Snakes eat frogs, rats, and other small animals. Mongooses, badgers, civets, and wild cats eat snakes. Additionally, king cobras, cobras, and kraits also eat Russell's vipers and other snakes. To maintain natural balance, it is essential to stop the indiscriminate killing of snakes. Raising awareness on this issue is crucial for maintaining overall environmental balance. Social media can play a significant role in this regard.
The writer is a teacher, columnist and poet. He can be reached at: [email protected].
Messenger/Fameema
