16 Jul
July 16, observed as the World Snake Day, is an ideal occasion to know and understand many things about these carnivorous reptiles, which are on the path of extinction mainly because of the myths and superstitions surrounding them.
Snakes are one of the several groups of reptiles. They have long, slender bodies, no legs, no eyelids, no ears, and are covered in back-folded skin sections called scales. Like other reptiles, they use their surrounding heat to regulate their body temperature. Snakes’ flexible bodies allow them to stretch out to warm themselves, curl up to conserve body heat, or just warm a particular part of their bodies. They are found on land and in water, as well as in every habitat imaginable, except where it is very cold.
Due to urbanization and the generally bad impression the public has of snakes, snakes have been dying off at alarming numbers. Snakes losing their habitat often find new snake dens in gardens, chicken pens or basements. This puts snakes in danger of coming into contact with humans as almost all such encounters will result in the snakes being killed on sight. There have been instances where snakes 'trespass' on human habitations causing some destruction and having their heads smashed off as a result. Vigilante such as this can be avoided if people are more aware of snake behaviours. The general consensus is fear, people kill to protect themselves from what they see as threats.
Despite appearances, snakes are quite harmless. Most snakes are not venomous and would escape rather than attack when confronted with humans.
Snakes are vital in controlling crops damaging preys such as rats and mice. Some, like the sea snakes and pythons, are caught extensively as food in Asia but, although most are probably edible, snakes are not widely hunted for their meat. Their skin though is used widely for belts, bags, and shoes. Venom is removed from snakes for use in treating certain diseases and to make antivenin for snakebites.
Snakes are one of the several groups of reptiles. They have long, slender bodies, no legs, no eyelids, no ears, and are covered in back-folded skin sections called scales. Like other reptiles, they use their surrounding heat to regulate their body temperature. Snakes’ flexible bodies allow them to stretch out to warm themselves, curl up to conserve body heat, or just warm a particular part of their bodies. They are found on land and in water, as well as in every habitat imaginable, except where it is very cold.
Due to urbanization and the generally bad impression the public has of snakes, snakes have been dying off at alarming numbers. Snakes losing their habitat often find new snake dens in gardens, chicken pens or basements. This puts snakes in danger of coming into contact with humans as almost all such encounters will result in the snakes being killed on sight. There have been instances where snakes 'trespass' on human habitations causing some destruction and having their heads smashed off as a result. Vigilante such as this can be avoided if people are more aware of snake behaviours. The general consensus is fear, people kill to protect themselves from what they see as threats.
Despite appearances, snakes are quite harmless. Most snakes are not venomous and would escape rather than attack when confronted with humans.
Snakes are vital in controlling crops damaging preys such as rats and mice. Some, like the sea snakes and pythons, are caught extensively as food in Asia but, although most are probably edible, snakes are not widely hunted for their meat. Their skin though is used widely for belts, bags, and shoes. Venom is removed from snakes for use in treating certain diseases and to make antivenin for snakebites.