Snakes have been a source of fascination and mystery for all of mankind, across various cultures and religions. They are the only creatures which are revered and feared, at the same time. They have their place in ancient scriptures and literature. Few say that they are evil and only mean harm, while others picturize them as god; few facts and a whole lot of fiction. For most of us, just a sight of a snake, slithering past us might send a chill wave down our spine. So, do we fear them because they are secretive and elusive? Is it that they could kill us with a venomous bite? Or is it just that we lack enough knowledge about them? No matter what the answer is, the fact is that we know very less about these misunderstood slitherers.
| Founded | 1995 |
|---|---|
| Type | Snake Conservation |
| Focus | Snake Conservation and Awareness of Wildlife |
Area served | Andhra Pradesh |
Revenue | Donations from Awareness programmes |
Volunteers | 170 Members - 30 Rescuers |
| Website | *** |
| Working with the AP Forest Department, India in the field of snake conservation. | |
Snakes are legless, carnivores reptiles. Evolution has made them one of the most formidable hunters on this planet. Slithering their way through various terrains, gliding effortlessly in air, nimbly scaling their way up the trees or even elegantly piercing the depths of the ocean; these reptiles have mastered the art of locomotion, sans limbs. With a bold mission, the Friends of Snakes Society strives very hard to save man from snakes and snakes from man.
Friends of snakes! How can one be friends with snakes, you ask? Snakes are natural predators of rodents that are responsible for the destruction of 1/3 of the annual crops, and since our economy is largely an agricultural one, snakes effectively prey on rodents and help control their population, and therefore are a vital part of our ecosystem.
About the society
The Friends of Snakes Society was founded and registered under Society Registration Act in the year 1995 by Late Shri. Rajkumar Kanuri. With the help of Andhra Pradesh Forest Department, the Friends of Snakes Society has been rescuing snakes from urban areas and rehabilitating them in reserve forest areas and attempting to generate a system of alternate, natural pest control using non venomous snakes in farming. The organization also conducts awareness programs to spread awareness about these gravely misunderstood creatures, eradicating age old myths and misconceptions about them through live demonstrations. The organization regularly conducts educational demonstrations in schools, public and private institutions, community centers, and children camps etc., organised by the Andhra Pradesh Forest Dept. under the eco-tourism program.
Chief Objectives
The chief objectives of the Friends of Snakes Society include:
1. Conservation and protection snakes.
2. Education and awareness generation of snakes eradicating myths & misconceptions about them. Snake bite information & effective remedies and proper treatment procedures.
3. Establishment of a snake conservation center which will be part of the upcoming Herpeto-Park in Hyderabad.
4. Research and development studies pertaining to snakes of India.
5. Cease snake skin trade and end poaching.
References
- http://www.hyderabadzoo.in/hz/template/Hyderabadi_Friends_of_Animals/Friends_of_Snakes_Society
- http://www.fullhyderabad.com/profile/locations/1016/special-interest-groups-in-hyderabad-india/sainikpuri/friends-of-snakes
- http://www.thebetterindia.com/3926/friends-of-snakes/
- http://www.hindu.com/2008/04/09/stories/2008040958040200.htm
- http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-03-14/hyderabad/28687957_1_rat-snakes-venomous-snake-snakes-club
- http://bevinindia.wordpress.com/2008/12/05/friends-of-snakes/
- http://www.cluburb.com/living/recreation/2464-friends-of-the-snake-hyderabad
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