Python breeds in Assam University Silchar; “A good news amidst lots of despair,” Professor Parthankar Choudhury

The Barak Valley is going through a tough time. Dead body of a 4-year-old floating in stagnant water is making headlines. It is not just tough time for the human beings. The animals too are in distress. Their forests have been flooded and so, they are swimming into alien territories.

“Among lots of despair, the good news is that a Burmese Python frequently seen in the varsity area has given birth to four young ones,” informs professor Parthankar Choudhury, Department of Ecology and Environmental Science, Assam University Silchar.

He adds, “Once this has come to our notice, we have taken care of the neonatals, and through one of our student volunteers (Bisal Sonar), have safely released three of them in the Ecoforest area of Assam University yesterday.”

Bisal Sonar is one of the active wildlife enthusiasts often in news for catching King Cobras and safely releasing them to the forest. Speaking with Barak Bulletin, Sonar said, “Once Sir shared the information in the group, I went to the Girl’s Hostel to find the newborn. I could trace three though the locals reported four. One must have left for the jungle already.”

Sonar is trained to catch snakes and knows how to handle them with care. “I left them in the forest 200 metres away from where they were. This will help the mother find them again,” Sonar adds. He informed that the Burmese Python is non-venomous in nature.

Because of the floods, it is possible that you might spot an animal or reptile that you otherwise don’t. Professor Choudhury urges to inform the forest department or the volunteers in such cases. “We have a team of about half a dozen volunteers/ wildlife enthusiasts who are active on field and readily respond as and when any distress calls are received regarding wildlife. The varsity team works in close liaison with the local forest officials,” states professor Choudhury.