Snake Bite Prevention in India: The Big Four Mapping Project
Understanding the Problem
India is home to over 270 snake species, of which 60 are venomous. Encounters with snakes are frequent in rural areas, where most of India’s population resides. Snakebites claim 46,000 lives annually in India, compared to just five in the United States.
The Big Four Mapping Project
In the absence of a government snakebite mitigation initiative, the Big Four Mapping Project was launched to map out human-snake conflicts in India. The project focuses on the four most common venomous snake species: spectacled cobra, saw-scaled viper, Russell’s viper, and common krait. These four species are responsible for the majority of snakebite-related deaths in India.
How It Works
The project relies on an Android app and a network of over 1,200 volunteer snake rescuers. When a person encounters a snake, they can contact a rescuer from the IndianSnakes.org website. The rescuer takes a picture of the snake using the Big4 Mapper app, which also records the GPS location. The rescuer then bags the snake and releases it into the wild, logging important details such as the species and condition of the house where it was found.
Findings
Since its inception in early 2017, the Big4 Mapper app has recorded over 5,000 snake-human conflicts. This data has revealed important insights into snake distribution and behavior in India. For example, 70% of encounters in houses involve cobras, and kraits tend to be more active after dark.
Snake Rescuers
Volunteer snake rescuers play a crucial role in the Big4 Mapping Project. They rescue snakes, educate the public, and provide first aid instructions in case of snakebites. Subhadra Cherukuri, a snake rescuer in Bangalore, emphasizes the importance of engaging with people during snake rescues to dispel myths and prevent snake killings.
Challenges
The Big4 Mapping Project faces challenges in data collection, particularly in the East Coast of India where there are fewer snake rescuers. To address this, the project is actively recruiting more volunteers.
Future Plans
The next version of the Big4 Mapper app will include features such as GPS-based rescuer locator, messaging, and a database of hospitals with antivenom stocks. The app will also provide educational information on snake identification and safety measures in local languages.
Conclusion
The Big Four Mapping Project is a significant effort to address the problem of snakebites in India. By mapping out snake-human conflicts and educating the public, the project aims to reduce snakebite fatalities and promote snake conservation.