Latest news with #Sarpa
New Indian Express
10-07-2025
- Science
- New Indian Express
Ernakulam leads way as state reported 494 king cobra rescues over five years
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a growing sign of increased human-snake interaction, the state has recorded 494 king cobra rescues from human-inhabited areas over the past five years. They had either strayed into homes, plantations or backyards and were rescued without harm and released back into forests. According to district-wise records from the forest department, Ernakulam reported the most rescues at 70, followed by Wayanad (68) and Kannur (61). At the bottom of the list are Alappuzha (2), Thiruvananthapuram (11) and Malappuram (17). While 148 incidents were reported in 2024, the number stood at 63 till March of this year. Experts note that while the king cobra (Ophiophagus kaalinga) is highly venomous, it is not naturally aggressive and avoids confrontation unless provoked. The surge in sightings is linked to prey movement, climate change, mating season, and improved public reporting. 'The rise in rescues doesn't necessarily mean there are more king cobras. The same snake could have been rescued multiple times,' said Sandeep Das, research associate at the department of zoology, University of Calicut. Forest officials say the department carries out timely rescue operations in coordination with trained snake handlers and herpetologists. Awareness campaigns, help lines and response teams have played a major role in managing such encounters. Assistant conservator of forests Mohammed Anvar said most sightings happen during the mating season which is typically between January and April. 'They travel up to 10km in search of mates, often following pheromone trails. Another reason is their movement in search of food. They feed mostly on other snakes, which is why they are called Ophiophagus,' he said. Sandeep added that although Wayanad has a large forest cover, most king cobras stay within it. The rescue numbers reflect incidents in human settlements, likely due to urban expansion and better reporting. However, challenges remain. 'Rescuers often face delays in getting proper kits, even after completing training. The Sarpa app has improved identification and reporting. King cobras are intelligent and not aggressive unless threatened. People should keep their distance and alert experts when spotted,' Anvar added. There have been only three recorded fatalities from king cobra bites in the country, including one in Kerala when A Harshad, an animal keeper at Thiruvananthapuram Zoo, died in 2021.
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Deccan Herald
18-05-2025
- Health
- Deccan Herald
How Kerala manages to bring down snakebite deaths with Sarpa app
The Sarpa mobile app serves as a platform for swiftly connecting with authorised snake rescuers, provides proper advice on the treatment for bites by various types of snakes and also dismisses a host of misbeliefs and unscientific treatment methods.
The Hindu
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Ente Keralam mega expo, marketing fair to begin in Kannur on May 8
As part of the fourth anniversary celebrations of the second Pinarayi Vijayan-led government, the 'Ente Keralam' mega exhibition and marketing fair will be held at the Kannur Police Maidan from May 8 to 14. Minister for Registration, Museum, Archaeology, and Archives Kadannappally Ramachandran told the media that the event symbolises the development thrust of the 'people's government.' The inaugural ceremony will be held at 4 p.m. on May 8, with Minister Kadannappally Ramachandran inaugurating the event and MLA K.K. Shailaja presiding. The concluding session, scheduled for 5 p.m. on May 14, will be inaugurated by MP V. Sivadasan, with MLA K.V. Sumesh presiding. The exhibition, housed in a 52,000 sq ft refrigerated pavilion, will feature 251 stalls, including 151 thematic and 100 commercial ones, showcasing the achievements and services of various government departments. Key infrastructural support is being provided by Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB), while Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) will also have a platform to market their products. Highlights include a 2,500 sq. ft theme pavilion by the Information and Public Relations department and a 1,500 sq. ft mini theatre by the Kerala Film Corporation. Other attractions include a dog show by the police department, the Forest department's Sarpa app demo, fire department simulations, and a food court managed by Kudumbashree. Topical seminars will be held alongside the exhibition. These include sessions on startups (May 8), senior citizen welfare (May 9), anti-drug campaigns (May 10), gender equality and entrepreneurship (May 11), water safety and civil service guidance (May 13), and livestock self-sufficiency (May 14). Cultural programmes will feature classical music by Pandit Ramesh Narayan on the opening day, performances by University Arts Festival winners, and folk traditions such as Thiruvathira, Margamkali, Kolkali, and Poorakali. Inclusive events will showcase the talents of differently abled artists, women civil service officers, and members of the transgender community. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will hold a face-to-face interaction with over 500 district-level stakeholders on May 9 from 10.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. at Dinesh Auditorium. Participants will include beneficiaries, youth expatriates, professionals, and artists.
