Online lessons help snake lovers learn how to rescue, care for them

A skype session with a herpetologist helped Rohan Nimbalkar, 26, provide the right care for a sand boa he had rescued from Kopar Khairane, Navi Mumbai, four months ago.

A skype session with a herpetologist helped Rohan Nimbalkar, 26, provide the right care for a sand boa he had rescued from Kopar Khairane, Navi Mumbai, four months ago.

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After noticing that the snake had a peculiar swelling on his head, he logged onto the video conferencing software and connected with Kailas Darole, a herpetologist to seek advice. Darole has been guiding a growing group of youngsters who want to learn about rescuing snakes, using the Internet. He helps dispel myths, teaches them how to administer first aid and identify species. Since last year, he has worked with 15 people.

“As many students and fellow snake rescuers would often call me for help, I thought the Internet would a great tool for guiding them,” said Darole. “I show them videos and photographs, and also tell them what to do when bitten by a snake.”

Zeeshan Mirza, an independent zoological researcher, said, “I would discourage inexperienced people from rescuing snakes. We cannot stop everyone, but we can make them aware of the need to release the snake in its natural habitat.”

Nimbalkar said that Darole also cautioned him against treating snakes as a trophy catch.