2025-07-27

The Tropical Institute of Ecological Sciences (TIES), in collaboration with the Social Forestry Division of the Kerala Forest and Wildlife Department, successfully organized a two-day Workshop on Snake Rescue Protocol for Snake Rescuers in Kerala at the TIES campus in Velloor. The programme, supported by the Kerala State Biodiversity Board (KSBB), has been a pioneering initiative towards developing a comprehensive manual for snake rescuers since its inception in 2020.

The workshop aimed to strengthen the capacity and field efficiency of certified SARPA Volunteers engaged in snake rescue operations across the state. A key outcome of the training was the preparation of a handbook for certified snake rescuers in Kerala. This initiative also aligns with the Zero Snakebite Death Initiative, which seeks to reduce human-snake conflict through improved awareness and response mechanisms.

Sessions during the workshop focused on:

• Standardizing snake rescue protocols

• Enhancing personal safety for rescuers

• Improving rescue documentation practices

• Encouraging ethical release of snakes back into the wild

Interactive open forums allowed participants to share their experiences, discuss existing rescue practices, suggest improvements to the snake rescue kit, and explore safety challenges faced during operations. These discussions provided critical insights into all stages of the rescue process—from initial handling to safe release.

The workshop was inaugurated by Dr. N. Jayaraj, Hon’ble Chief Whip of Kerala, who acknowledged the invaluable contributions made by SARPA volunteers in saving both human and snake lives across the state. The inaugural session was presided by Mr. Subash K B, Assistant Conservator of Forest, Social Forestry Division, Kottayam with a keynote address by Mr. Muhammad Anwar Y, Assistant Conservator of Forests and Nodal Officer, SARPA. 

Expert sessions were led by:

• Mr. Jose Louies, CEO, Wildlife Trust of India and Founder of the Indian Snakebite Initiative

• Mr. Muhammad Anwar Y, Assistant Conservator of Forests and Nodal Officer, SARPA

• Dr. Punnen Kurian, Director, TIES

Key topics covered included:

• The current status of snakebite cases in Kerala and India

• The role of the SARPA network and certified rescuers

• Snake morphology, anatomy, and physiology

• Identification of commonly encountered snakes

• Legal considerations in snake rescue operations

• Protocols for snake release, holding, and translocation

The valedictory session was inaugurated by Mr. Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, Hon’ble MLA, Kottayam, who highlighted the life-saving work carried out by SARPA volunteers and underscored the need for widespread community awareness to promote human-wildlife coexistence.

The event saw the enthusiastic participation of 32 certified SARPA volunteers from various districts across Kerala.

TIES remains committed to supporting snake rescuers through sustained training programs, scientific and technical support, and public outreach initiatives. We extend our sincere gratitude to all participants and partners for their unwavering dedication to wildlife conservation. The training was coordinated by Sarath Babu NB, Jijomon P P, Saranyamol Sivarajan, Arya Shaji, Anoopa Mathews and Farissa Razack.