Five rare species of snakes rescued by University Researchers; "A large vicious cycle could be behind," says DFO

Usually, we enjoy watching snakes playing with other snakes but we don’t worry about the well-being of snakes at all. However, there are many conscious people in society who think about snakes. Sumit Nath, a researcher from Assam University and an environmentally conscious young man, caught a snake charmer playing a snake in Irongmara area on Sunday morning. At first the charmer tried to stop him but later he gave in man by escaping and the snakes were rescued by Sumit Nath and his associates. They were later rescued by the forest department.

With the help of University Professor Parthankar Choudhury, various rare species of snakes were handed over to the Forest Department. According to the Forest Department, they are trying to catch the snake charmer who and suspect that a vicious circle is working behind it.

DFO Sunnydeo Chowdhury of Cachar district said, “With the help of common people, we are able to save many rare species of animals. Five snakes rescued on Sunday morning is the epitome of it. Out of the rescued snakes, two are local species while three are from outside. The local snakes will be released in the forest of Cachar after treatment. The Assam Zoo in Guwahati has been contacted to figure out where the rest of the snakes will be kept. If necessary, all will be sent there. However, we want to catch those involved in the racket. Only five snakes have been rescued but we think that the gang might have more snakes with them. The locals tried to catch them, but they managed to elope. We have requested the police superintendents of Cachar and Karimganj districts to help us.”

The DFO especially thanked Sumit Nath, a researcher from Assam University. “Thanks to Sumit Nath’s prudence and courage, we have been able to rescue the rare species alive. In many recent cases, common people have shown their awareness and innocent animals have been saved. Our officials are always on the lookout and I myself am directly involved with everyone through the phone. If anyone sees such an incident then let us know immediately. We will not only be able to rescue the animals but we will also be able to catch the person who is hurting them.”

Parthankar Choudhury said, “The work has been done due to the wisdom and courage of Sumit Nath, a researcher in our department. The rescued snakes belong to Pankhiraj or green vine, ornate flying snake, mansa/ kalnagini, brown vine and spectacle Gokhra species. It is possible to release the local species in our area but the foreign species will not survive here if released. At least if the Forest Department sends them to the Guwahati zoo their lives could be saved. But I have another fear if there are more snakes other than these five. It will be the most tragic if the miscreants harm snakes out of fear of wiping out evidence.