By – Dr. N. Munal Meitei
World Snake Day is observed on 16 July since 2009 to dedicate the understanding, appreciation and conservation of snake, the diverse species, their habitats, their vital role in the healthy ecosystem, and how to protect and conserve them. This day slithers into focus to shed light on the incredible diversity and ecological importance of over 3900 snake species on the earth. The theme for 2026 is “Respect, Don’t Fear: Protecting Nature’s Silent Guardians,” focusing on dispelling myths and promoting peaceful coexistence.
This observance challenges negative perceptions and encourages a deeper understanding of these often-misunderstood reptiles, the most affected group of animals due to the climate change. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and Nature Conservancy lead campaign to protect snake habitats and species globally giving recognition, bringing together snake enthusiasts, conservationists and communities to celebrate and protect these remarkable creatures.
Protecting snakes means protecting nature. Snakes are an essential part of nature and help keep ecosystems balanced. They control rodent populations, protect crops and reduce the spread of diseases carried by pests. As both predators and prey, snakes also support the food chain and contribute to biodiversity. Snakes are ecosystem engineers. Preying on rodents, they excrete seeds in new locations, supporting in plant regeneration.
Every snake plays an important role in the ecosystem. Most snakes are not aggressive and non-venomous, and often bite in self-defense, when threatened or provoked; trying to kill them will expose to a higher risk of bite. Only about one-fourth of all snakes are venomous, and all of them would much rather avoid human contact if they could.
Knowledge replaces fear, and conservation protects life. Snakebite envenoming is a devastating – and massively neglected – public health challenge in many countries. The lack of reliable in-country data— under-reporting is believed to be over 70%— makes it difficult to know the true impact of snakebite envenoming, but conservative estimates show that, every year, it kills 81,000–138,000 people in India and leaves 400,000 more with significant disabilities, such as amputated limbs and blindness.
Maximum snake bite incidents occur when humans inadvertently step on or otherwise disturb the peaceful creatures. Impoverished people living in rural areas, particularly agricultural workers, herders, fishers, hunters, working children, people living in poorly constructed homes, and people with limited access to education and healthcare, are at greatest risk of snakebite envenoming.
Gathering evidence on snakebite incidence rates, community and health system response and the price, availability and affordability of antivenom is an important step to celebrate the day.
Empowering communities and healthcare workers through capacity building and education on effective prevention, first aid, management and treatment of snakebite are also important. Equipping civil society with evidence and advocacy skills to press for greater policy action on snakebite will save more lives.
Respect wildlife because every species matters. Snakes live on every continent except Antarctica, and can vary from 32 feet long pythons to tiny vine snakes. Some species of snakes can live for more than 40 years. India, with all its stereotypes of snake-charmers, is home to only four venomous snake species, but many destructive superstitions and myths.
Some snakes are brilliantly colored. Snakes smell using their forked tongues. They have no eyelids and cannot blink. Snakes shed their skin several times a year. Snakes can hear human voices. While they lack external ears, they possess inner ear structures connected to their jawbones. They detect airborne sounds and vibrations well, and since the average human voice (100–250 Hz) falls within their hearing range, they can perceive our speaking or yelling. The King Cobra is the world’s longest venomous snake. The Green Anaconda is among the heaviest snakes. The world’s smallest snake is the Barbados thread snake. This serpent is smaller than a night crawler at about 4 inches.
Some snakes can glide through the air. Certain snake species give birth to live young instead of laying eggs. Snakes are found on every continent except Antarctica. Pythons kill prey by constriction, not venom. Some snakes can survive for weeks without food. Snakes eat their prey whole. Most snakes are nocturnal. Snakes are cold-blooded, or ectotherms, and must sun themselves to regulate their body temperatures.
Some snake venoms have even helped scientists develop medicines for treating conditions such as high blood pressure and blood disorders, showing that snakes are valuable beyond the wild.
Healthy ecosystems begin with protecting every creature. Habitat loss due to deforestation, climate change, illegal wildlife trade, road accidents, pollution, human fear and unnecessary killing and urban expansion are the challenges for the crawling friends. Protecting forests, wetlands and other natural habitats is essential for the survival of snake species and the ecosystems they support.
Snakes deserve understanding, not unnecessary fear. Never kill a snake unless it poses an immediate threat. Contact trained snake rescuers if a snake enters your home. Avoid spreading myths or false information. Learn about the snake species in your area. Support wildlife conservation organizations and teach children to respect snakes.
With celebration of World Snake Day, conservationists hope, can help remove people’s fears and illusions about snakes, and help them gain recognition as a marvelous adaptable apex species. Together, we can create a safer future for snakes and biodiversity.
(The author is an environmentalist, presently working as DFO/Chandel. [email protected])
