Hyderabad, May 6 (TNT): A first-of-its-kind decade-long study on urban snake ecology in Hyderabad has revealed a steady rise in human-snake encounters, highlighting the growing impact of urbanisation and climate on snake behaviour in the city.
The study, conducted by researchers from Hyderabad-based CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) in collaboration with the Friends of Snakes Society, analysed 55,467 snake rescues carried out between 2013 and 2022.
The findings have been published in the journal *Global Ecology and Conservation, the centre said in a release here on Wednesday.
According to the study, snake rescues in Hyderabad increased by 8–10 per cent annually during the period, reflecting rapid urban expansion, land-use changes and improved reporting and rescue mechanisms.
Researchers noted that human-snake encounters in the city are structured and predictable rather than random.
The study found that 54 per cent of all rescues involved venomous species, underlining the public health significance of such encounters.
The spectacled cobra (*Naja naja*) and Indian rat snake (Ptyas mucosa) together accounted for 76 per cent of rescues, suggesting their strong adaptability to urban environments.
Researchers identified 232 snake encounter hotspots across Hyderabad, covering nearly 6.9 per cent of the city, primarily in rapidly developing peripheral areas.
The findings indicate that habitat modification and urban growth are major drivers of increased human-snake interactions.
The study also observed seasonal and climatic influences on snake activity.
Encounters peaked during the monsoon season between July and November, particularly in October, coinciding with mating and breeding periods.
Warmer temperatures increased snake activity, while prolonged rainfall temporarily reduced it.
Avinash Visvanathan of Friends of Snakes Society, said “This study provides the first empirical evidence for synanthropization, wherein snakes showed adaptations to human-modified environments.”
He noted that forecasts suggest snake rescues may continue to rise by 8–12 per cent annually, necessitating stronger rescue infrastructure and preparedness.
Dr Karthikeyan Vasudevan, lead scientist at CCMB, said snakes play a crucial ecological role in controlling rodent populations in urban ecosystems.
He stressed the need for sustained rescue operations, public awareness campaigns and urban planning measures that preserve green spaces and habitat connectivity.
TNT TS
Leave a Reply