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Time of India
3 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
Which country has the largest snake population
Snakes are known for slithering through forests, deserts, wetlands, and even urban areas. Spotting them sends chills down the spine, and I, as a matter of fact, freeze for a moment. Forget this scary part, as it's also a well-known fact that these misunderstood reptiles has a vital role in our ecosystems. They are responsible for controlling populations of rodents and other pests, and play both the parts of predators and prey; they even contribute to seed dispersal. As regarding statistics, there are around 3,900 snake species recorded globally (according to the Reptile Database). When the term "highest snake population" is referred to, it's often interpreted as the country that houses the most snake species. According to the World Population Review, Mexico tops the list for having the most snake species in the world, with 438 types, closely followed by Brazil. Read more: Planning a short trip during the Independence Day weekend: 5 destinations to avoid strictly From arid deserts in the north to lush rainforests in the south, Mexico's diverse geography provides them a healthy habitat — both venomous and non-venomous. Some notable Mexican snakes include: Mexican west coast rattlesnake (Crotalus basiliscus) – It's one of the largest rattlesnake species in the world. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like You Won't Believe the Price of These Dubai Apartments Binghatti Developers FZE Get Offer Undo Consider yourself luck if you don't meet any in this lifetime. Tropical vine snake (Oxybelis fulgidus) – It's a slender, tree-dwelling species that possesses excellent camouflaging technique. Mexican burrowing python (Loxocemus bicolor) – It's a rare and primitive snake found in moist lowlands. Coral snakes (Micrurus spp.) – brightly colored and highly venomous, found in several Mexican states. These species are found across Mexico's 32 states, from coastal mangroves and highland pine forests to desert canyons and volcanic plateaus. Reasons behind Mexico having so many snake species? Well there is not one reason behind this. Several factors contribute to this, some of which are: Mexico is classified as a megadiverse country, meaning it is one of the few nations that harbour the majority of Earth's species. The country spans across a wide range of ecosystems — including tropical rainforests, dry deserts, mountain cloud forests, and coastal zones — all of which support distinct snake populations. Mexico's warm climate makes it a haven for cold-blooded reptiles like snakes. The mix of heat and humidity across many regions creates ideal habitats for both tree-dwelling (arboreal) and ground-dwelling (terrestrial) species. This country has a healthy population of frogs, rodents, birds, and lizards, all common snake prey, which helps sustain Mexico's snake population. In some rural regions, snakes play an important role in controlling pests in agriculture. How does Mexico compare to other countries? Here are the top five countries with the most documented snake species (source: The Reptile Database): Mexico 438 Brazil 420 Indonesia 376 India 305 Colombia 301 Brazil Brazil comes in the second position, which is often mistaken as the top contender. Its rich Amazon rainforest and Pantanal wetlands host iconic species like green anacondas, boa constrictors, and pit vipers. While Brazil may have more dense forest snakes, Mexico surpasses it in total species count. Indonesia As a massive island archipelago, Indonesia supports diverse tropical species including the reticulated python and king cobra. Many islands have endemic snake species found nowhere else on Earth. India India hosts more than 300 snake species, including the notorious 'Big Four' — the Indian cobra, common krait, Russell's viper, and saw-scaled viper — which are responsible for the majority of snakebite deaths in the country. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), India records some of the highest snakebite fatalities in the world. Read more: 8 types of elephants found around the world and what makes them unique Are snakes a threat? Despite widespread fear, the majority of snake species are non-venomous and harmless to humans. Even venomous snakes play a critical role in keeping ecosystems balanced by controlling rodent and pest populations. In Mexico, snakes are protected under various regional conservation laws, although habitat loss and illegal collection for the exotic pet trade remain concerns. How are snake populations measured? Unlike mammals or birds, snakes are elusive and hard to count in the wild. Herpetologists use tools such as: Field surveys and biodiversity inventories Species distribution maps Reports from local communities Snakebite data (inferred human-snake interaction) While the exact number of individual snakes in a country is difficult to calculate, species diversity is a more reliable measure — and here, Mexico leads the pack. Snake awareness and coexistence As cities expand and natural habitats shrink, encounters between humans and snakes are becoming increasingly common, particularly in countries like India and Mexico, where many rural communities border snake-rich environments. There are many NGOs in various countries that work toward raising awareness about snake conservation and safe practices during encounters. In rural areas, education about snake identification and first aid can help reduce unnecessary killings and fatalities.
Indian Express
4 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
‘Ambassador of Westarctica' arrested on fraud, forgery charges: What are micronations?
A 45-year-old man was arrested on Tuesday (July 22) by the Uttar Pradesh Police's Special Task Force (STF) for running a fake 'embassy' in Ghaziabad and posing as the 'Ambassador' of the micronation of Westarctica. Harsh Vardhan Jain allegedly claimed to be a 'globe-trotting diplomat' and is believed to have run an elaborate con built on forged documents, a fake embassy, and claims of global influence from a rented two-storey bungalow in Kavi Nagar. Jain allegedly used morphed images of himself with prime ministers and presidents to con businessmen and launder money. 'He used the guise of diplomacy to influence businessmen, promise them access to international markets, and run a hawala network through shell companies,' the STF said in a statement Wednesday (July 23). A golden nameplate at the door introduced him as 'His Excellency Harsh Vardhan Jain, Royale Consigliere, Principato di Seborga' — the Royal Advisor to Seborga, another unrecognised micronation in Italy's Liguria province. The bungalow's balcony and roof featured fake flags, including one with a white cross on a blue field and another with a royal crown and shield. The incident has shone a spotlight on micronations and the ambiguous status they occupy in international law. Here is what to know. What are micronations? Micronations are political entities that claim to be independent and sovereign, but lack recognition from any government or international body. They have their own governments, constitutions, flags, currencies, and sometimes even passports. In the absence of a clear definition of nation-states, the one provided by the Montevideo Convention of 1933 is used. It stipulates that a state must have a permanent population, a defined territory, a government, and the capacity to enter into relations with other states. Micronations often fail to meet one or more of these criteria, especially the latter two. And why do micronations exist? People create micronations for various reasons: personal identity, political protest, artistic expression, or to build tight-knit communities outside conventional national structures. Micronations are constituted in a variety of ways by either individuals or a small group of people. Some are symbolic or artistic statements, like the Principality of Sealand. Others are satirical or political critiques, like the Republic of Molossia, and a few are established purely for fun or ego. Most exist online or in symbolic spaces, like someone's backyard or an abandoned structure, and their 'citizenship' is often honorary or digital. While there is no official count of the number of micronations to exist, the World Population Review in 2023 estimated that over 50 micronations exist, with nine of these in the US and seven in Australia. Micronations occupy a grey area in international law. They are regarded as trivial and non-threatening in contrast to secessionist movements. Australian constitutional law specialists Harry Hobbs and George Williams, in a 2021 research paper, wrote, 'a micronation poses no security threat to the state and lacks a foundation in domestic and international law for its claim to independence.' ('Micronations: A lacuna in the law', Harry Hobbs and George Williams, International Journal of Constitutional Law, 2021) A crucial distinction between micronations and nations is that the former are not recognised in domestic or international forums as nations. However, micronations still 'dress themselves in the language of statehood and perform acts of sovereignty', Hobbs and Williams wrote. They are also seen as distinct from microstates, such as Liechtenstein and Vatican City. Microstates are recognised as sovereign entities. Mirconations may enjoy symbolic authority, in that they may issue passports, currency, or stamps, to the extent they are simulating states. However, when these entities attempt to assert legal authority, they can face legal trouble, especially if those activities cross into fraud, tax evasion, or misrepresentation. Hobbs and Williams wrote that micronationalists, if found guilty under the law, would be treated in court as citizens of their original country and not as members of a secessionist movement. Founded in 2001, Westarctica is a micronation which claims a portion of Antarctica known as Marie Byrd Land, a region not claimed by any country under the Antarctic Treaty System. Former US Navy officer and founder of Westarctica, Travis McHenry, used this legal ambiguity to proclaim himself Grand Duke of Westarctica and assert sovereignty over the unclaimed land. He argued that his claim highlighted gaps in international law and raised awareness about environmental and geopolitical issues in Antarctica. Over time, Westarctica gained a small online following, with 'citizens' numbering in the thousands, most of whom signed up via the internet and received honorary titles. According to their official website, since 2014, Westarctica has been incorporated as a nonprofit organisation, and in 2018, they obtained a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt designation. The micronation has been active in raising awareness about climate change and wildlife in Antarctica, and is also a part of the People's Climate Movement. In a statement on its website, the micronation sought to distance itself from Jain's alleged crimes. 'Mr. Jain was an authorized representative engaging in unauthorized activities,' it said. The organisation claimed that Jain had made generous donations to the micronation and was invited to join their team of international volunteers, giving Jain the title of 'Honorary Consul to India.' Jain has now been suspended as a representative of the organisation. The writer is a student who is a summer intern at The Indian Express.
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Missing woman Kelsey Pittman found ALIVE nine months after vanishing in brutal remote area
For nine long months, investigators searched in vain for missing Kelsey Pittman. Now, to the relief and surprise of many, the North Carolina woman has thankfully been found alive To the relief of loved ones, missing Kelsey Pittman has been found, nine months after vanishing near the unforgiving Death Valley National Park, on the border of California and Nevada. The North Carolina woman was first reported missing by family members back in November 2024. This, the Inyo County Sheriff's Office (ICSO) stated back in May, was when the 33-year-old had contact with law enforcement in Utah. On February 9, Kelsey's 2009 Chevrolet HHR was discovered in a remote area known as 'The Pads or Slab City", located off Highway 190. Situated just outside the boundaries of the famously hot National Park, known for its harsh desert conditions, this lonely spot is 'commonly used by campers during the winter months." With a clearer indication of Kelsey's potential whereabouts, officers conducted a "thorough search of both the vehicle and the surrounding area". However, Kelsey was nowhere to be found. Brit tourist missing in Tenerife as cops launch massive search 'Help me find my missing son's body so I can bury him at home' This, police say, "led to the initiation of an extensive missing person investigation and search effort". According to a statement: "Between February and June 2025, ICSO coordinated with multiple law enforcement agencies, drone teams, cadaver dog handlers, and volunteer search and rescue crews. Despite exhaustive ground and aerial searches, no additional physical evidence was found at the site." Thankfully, this week, a miracle occurred. On Tuesday, July 22, ICSO announced that Kelsey had been found alive after many months of concern for her welfare. A statement read: "The Inyo County Sheriff's Office is relieved to announce that Kelsey Pittman has been located alive in the state of Colorado." The statement continued: "Out of respect for her privacy and that of her family, no further details will be released." In the US, more than 600,000 individuals are reported missing every single year, as per the US Department of Justice. Thankfully, as per the World Population Review, the "vast majority of missing persons cases are quickly resolved". However, cases like Kelsey's are relatively unusual given the amount of time that passed between her reported disappearance and subsequent discovery. Hopes of finding a missing person dwindle as time goes on, particularly in cases where the individual is vulnerable. Such occurrences are not unheard of, though, giving hope to families around the world still waiting for news of long vanished loved ones. Such cases include the story of Brenda Heist, a mum of two from Pennsylvania who vanished in 2002 amid the upheaval of a divorce, BBC News previously reported. As time went on, loved ones feared the worst, and in 2010, her estranged husband had Brenda declared legally dead and remarried. In 2013, Brenda resurfaced, having spent 11 years living as a vagrant. In one particularly extraordinary case, Australian dad Gabriel Nagy vanished in 1987 and wasn't seen for 23 long years. SBS News reports that, just two weeks before Gabriel was to be declared legally dead, a Medicare records check led investigators straight to him. The married father of two had suffered amnesia following a head injury, and had no clue he even had a family.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
India ranks 10th in global book publishing with 90,000 titles a year: Who are the top 9?
Books remain fundamental to how societies share knowledge and preserve culture, offering windows into literature, history, science, and countless other fields. Certain countries have emerged as publishing powerhouses, maintaining vast industries that serve millions of readers while nurturing deep literary traditions. Latest data from the World Population Review places India 10th globally for annual book production, with approximately 90,000 titles reaching publication each year. This impressive figure reflects the country's diverse linguistic landscape and growing readership, but which nations lead the world in book publishing? The world's top book publishing nations Here are the ten countries that produce the most books annually, based on their yearly publication figures: 1. United States – 275,232 books published America leads the global publishing landscape by a considerable margin, producing over 275,000 books annually. The country's dominance stems from its extensive network of authors, established publishing houses, and massive domestic market. American publishers produce everything from bestselling novels and academic texts to educational materials and specialised non-fiction, serving both domestic and international audiences. 2. China – 208,418 books published China holds second place with more than 208,000 annual publications. The country's publishing sector has experienced remarkable growth in recent decades, fuelled by increasing demand for educational content, popular fiction, and self-improvement books. China's large population and expanding middle class have created a substantial market for both traditional and contemporary literature. 3. United Kingdom – 186,000 books published The UK maintains its position as a literary powerhouse, producing roughly 186,000 books each year. Britain's centuries-old publishing tradition, combined with renowned publishing houses and an enthusiastic reading culture, sustains this substantial output. The country's influence extends far beyond its borders, with British publishers often setting global literary trends. 4. Japan – 139,078 books published Japan publishes around 139,000 books annually, reflecting the nation's unique blend of traditional and modern literary culture. The Japanese market encompasses everything from conventional novels and academic works to manga and graphic novels, catering to diverse reading preferences across all age groups. 5. Indonesia – 135,081 books published Indonesia produces over 135,000 books yearly, driven largely by government initiatives to improve national literacy rates. The country's publishing industry serves multiple local languages and communities, with particular strength in educational materials and children's literature that reflect Indonesia's cultural diversity. 6. Italy – 125,948 books published Italy publishes approximately 126,000 books each year, drawing on its rich artistic and literary heritage. Italian publishers are recognised for their commitment to quality production, and the country's numerous book festivals and literary events help maintain strong public engagement with reading and literature. 7. Russia – 115,171 books published Russia produces over 115,000 books annually, continuing its distinguished literary legacy. Russian publishing covers an extensive range of subjects, from scientific and historical works to poetry and educational texts, maintaining the country's reputation for intellectual and cultural contributions. 8. France – 106,799 books published France publishes nearly 107,000 books each year, supported by a comprehensive network of bookshops, libraries, and cultural institutions. The French publishing scene encompasses numerous genres and maintains strong government support for literature and reading initiatives. 9. Iran – 102,691 books published Iran produces more than 102,000 books annually, with a significant emphasis on original works rather than reprints. The country's publishing industry reflects its cultural and religious values, showing particular strength in poetry, historical works, and educational materials. 10. India – 90,000 books published India completes the top ten with over 90,000 annual publications. The country's publishing industry mirrors its incredible diversity, producing books in numerous languages and covering every conceivable genre. From academic textbooks and literary fiction to children's stories and regional literature, Indian publishing serves one of the world's largest and most varied reading populations. What drives these publishing leaders These 10 countries share several characteristics that support their robust publishing industries. Large populations provide substantial readership bases, while established educational systems create consistent demand for academic and educational materials. Cultural traditions that value reading and literature also play crucial roles in sustaining these markets. Strong economic foundations allow these nations to support both traditional publishing infrastructure and emerging digital platforms. Government policies that promote literacy and education further strengthen their publishing sectors, while international trade relationships help expand their global reach. Despite the growth of digital media and e-books, traditional publishing continues to thrive. These countries collectively ensure that books remain vital vehicles for sharing ideas, preserving cultures, and fostering intellectual exchange across geographical and generational boundaries. The persistence of these publishing industries demonstrates that, even in our increasingly digital world, books retain their power to educate, entertain, and inspire readers worldwide. Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
Time Out
6 days ago
- Time Out
Fun fact: Australia has 8,222 islands — and you probably never knew they existed
Okay, we lied to you. There's a good chance you can name at least one Australian island (ahem, Tasmania), but with 8,222 official islands scattered around our coastline, odds are you've never heard of most of them. What's even cooler is that Australia has the eighth-highest number of islands on Earth – not bad for a country that's technically an island itself. This ranking is drawn from WorldAtlas, cross-checked with 2025 updates from World Population Review, which compiled its global tally of islands by aggregating national records, land surveys and satellite imagery. Generally, a landmass – inhabited or not – is classified as an island if it is surrounded by water at high tide. While some countries set thresholds for size or coastline length, artificial islands, offshore rocks and sandbanks that disappear at high tide are typically excluded. From Tasmania to the Torres Strait, Australia and its external territories comprise 8,222 islands scattered throughout the Pacific, Indian and Southern Oceans, as well as the Coral and Timor Seas. These islands vary wildly – from tiny, rocky outcrops uninhabited by humans to massive landmasses twice the size of the Australian Capital Territory. Barely more than a speck in the sea, Snapper Island in Sydney Harbour is perhaps Australia's smallest island, measuring roughly one hectare – barely the size of a soccer field. Another hidden gem is North Reef Island, a sand cay in the Great Barrier Reef spanning just 1.4 hectares. Mostly a sanctuary for sea turtles and seabirds, it sometimes disappears beneath the waves at high tide — so definitely not the spot for rolling out a picnic rug. If we were ever stranded on an island, we'd want to be stuck on the larger side of the spectrum. Take Tasmania – Australia's largest island and only island state, covering 68,401 square kilometres and home to more than half a million people. Then there's Melville Island, the country's second-largest at 5,786 square kilometres. Part of the Northern Territory's Tiwi Islands, it's a place of stunning remote beauty and rich Indigenous culture, though far less known than Tassie. Other popular Aussie islands you've probably heard of include Kangaroo Island – a wildlife wonderland off the coast of South Australia; K'gari (Fraser Island) – the world's largest sand island located off Queensland; and the beautiful Whitsunday Islands – home to Australia's best beach. Then there are the more obscure ones, like uninhabited Heard Island – home to Australia's only active volcano (Big Ben); and Warraber Island (Sue Island) – our smallest populated island with just 250 residents. Want to impress with your island trivia? Here's a peek at countries with more islands than Australia. These are the 10 countries with the most islands Sweden – 267,570 Norway – 239,057 Finland – 178,947 Canada – 52,455 United States – 18,617 Indonesia – 17,504 Japan – 14,125 Australia – 8,222 Philippines – 7,641 Chile – 5,000 😱
