Python rescued from shrine in Delhi, over 80 cases since July

New Delhi, Aug 24 (IANS) A seven-feet-long rock python was rescued from a shrine in Delhi's Tughlakabad area, the rescuers said on Thursday. About 80 such cases of snakes rescued from human spaces in the national capital have been reported since July.

The python took shelter in the shrine due to rain on Wednesday. Some devotees saw it and called the animal welfare organisation Wildlife SOS helpline 9871963535. A three-member team rushed to the spot and rescued the reptile.

The python is under the observation of the animal welfare organisation.

Due to the monsoon season, more cases of reptiles around human spaces are spotted, with maximum cases happening in July and August.

"There have been over 80 cases of snake rescue in the month of July and August so far. 50 snakes were rescued in July alone from Delhi and NCR," Kadambari Atki from Wildlife SOS told IANS.

"In the monsoons, we receive hundreds of calls from Delhi residents who have seen snakes and we end up responding by rescuing sometimes up to five snakes a day," said Wasim Akram, Manager of Special Projects at Wildlife SOS.

Recently, a special team of snake rescuers was stationed at the Red Fort during the Independence Day celebration, after the Delhi police officials spotted several snakes during the security preparations.

Found commonly across India, the Indian rock python faces extreme threat due to the prevalent misunderstanding and ignorance among the public, experts said.

"Snakes are ecologically required for rodent control and never attack or bite unless they are cornered, stepped on or threatened. People get bitten out of ignorance and over confidence," said Kartick Satyanarayan, Co-founder of Wildlife SOS.

He added that the habitat loss due to rampant deforestation and urbanisation is another major threat faced by this reptile.

Delhi is home to about 13 species of snakes, of which only two -- the common cobra and common krait -- are venomous. The others include Royal snake, Wolf snake, Rat snake, Common Sand Boa, Red Sand Boa, Common Kukri, Cat snake, Rock Python, Bronzeback Tree Snake, Leith's Sand Snake and Checkered keelback.

According to the Wildlife SOS, some 200 to 300 incidents of snake spotting are reported in Delhi every month, while about 2,000 snakes are rescued in the city every year.

Places from where serpents have been rescued by the Wildlife SOS include the Prime Minister's official residence, the Rashtrapati Bhavan and the airport.

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