'Rat Snake': Kerala Wildlife Board considers proposal to declare Ptyas mucosa official state reptile; helps control crop-damaging rats in farmlands
The Rat Snake, Ptyas mucosa, is a non-venomous snake that plays a key role in controlling the population of rats that damage agricultural crops in farmlands.
As a carnivore, the Rat Snake also consumes young venomous snakes. Known as the 'friend of farmers', Rat Snakes have great conservation importance, notes the proposal at the board meeting to be convened on Wednesday.
By declaring it as the official reptile of the state, it will help this species to be brought under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972, which will give it the highest level of protection with the harshest penalties for violation.
Currently, it is under Schedule 2 of the act, which gives the species a slightly lower level of protection.
"There is a misconception that snakes are dangerous to humans and cause hardships for us. However, in reality, snakes control the rat population, which is itself caused by our mismanagement of waste disposal. Humans do not come under the food chain of snakes. They bite people for defence when they feel threatened. Regarding Rat Snakes, common people know Chera is not dangerous and is beneficial to them.
Kerala
witnesses over 100 to 200 snake bite incidents.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Cardiologists Recommend: Eat 1 Teaspoon Tonight – Wake Up With a Flatter Stomach
Hollywood News | USA
Click Here
Undo
But casualties are very few as we have a good healthcare system with better access to antivenom treatment. Despite this awareness, some people resort to unscientific treatment for poisoning, which eventually results in the deaths of patients every year. Nowadays, the SARPA program of the Forest Department plays a big role in creating awareness of the importance of conserving snakes, and they soon call a rescuer for catching snakes," says Sandeep Das, Biologist.
"We have an official state animal, state bird, state fish, butterfly, tree, and so on. But we do not have an official state reptile, and that's why we proposed the Rat Snake to be declared as the official state reptile. It will give more conservation value to that species, which in reality plays a high ecological value. Its habitat is human habitations, not forests," said a forest official.
Besides this, the board will also consider a proposal to rechristen the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary to Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary on the 25th anniversary of the sanctuary. The renaming is considering its vital role in serving as a major host of migrating Albatross butterflies every year. The sanctuary witnesses a mass migration of butterflies between December and February because of the unique ecosystem.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
36 minutes ago
- Time of India
Doctor explains how stronger legs can mean better brian health and cognitive strength in old age
'The more powerful your legs, the better your brain.' That's how Dhru Purohit opened his conversation with Louisa Nicola, a neurophysiologist based in New York City. It may sound like an oversimplification, but research shows there's more truth in that statement than most of us realize. How is it all connected? Nicola pointed to one of the most fascinating studies on the subject, an investigation that tracked 300 female twins, all around the age of 55. The scientists wanted to know if muscle fitness, measured through leg power, could predict cognitive changes over a 10-year period. This twin design was clever: by comparing twins, researchers could isolate the effects of leg power from genetics and early-life environment. Results were compelling—higher leg power at baseline significantly predicted better cognitive outcomes a decade later, even when adjusting for heart health, diabetes, smoking, diet, socioeconomic status, and other known dementia risk factors. But that is not all. A small subset of the twin pairs underwent MRI scans approximately 12 years into the study. These images revealed that participants with greater leg power at baseline also had larger total gray matter volume and healthier brain structures, such as smaller ventricles, years later. Lead researcher Dr Claire Steves explained in 2015: "When it came to cognitive ageing, leg strength was the strongest factor that had an impact in our study. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like SRM Online MBA – Empowering Future Leaders SRM Online Enquire Now Undo Other factors such as heart health were also important, but the link with leg strength remained even after we accounted for these. We think leg strength is a marker of the kind of physical activity that is good for your brain." What experts believe? Nicola explained it in clear terms: 'If we cut it down, it means that the bigger the leg muscle, the bigger the brain.' Further, the broader scientific community has echoed these findings. Dr. Doug Brown of the Alzheimer's Society said the results add to growing evidence that physical activity benefits the brain as much as the body, though more research is still needed to fully understand the relationship. Dr. Simon Ridley of Alzheimer's Research UK also emphasized that both strength training and aerobic activity should be part of a balanced lifestyle to reduce dementia risk. So what does this mean in practical terms? Building strong legs isn't just about aesthetics or mobility; it could be a protective factor for your brain. Nicola suggests that simple but powerful exercises like squats and deadlifts can be the key to building leg strength. These compound movements engage multiple muscle groups, improve balance, boost circulation, and challenge your nervous system, all of which contribute to healthier aging.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Former India Olympian Vece Paes's funeral attended by Sourav Ganguly, Dilip Tirkey and sporting fraternity
Vece Paes with son Leander Olympic bronze medallist and sports medicine expert Dr. Vece Paes was laid to rest in a funeral service on Sunday. Former India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly and Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey joined numerous mourners in the procession. Young players formed a guard of honour with raised hockey sticks as the hearse proceeded to the Maidan tent. Hockey Bengal officials were present to pay their respects. Tennis legend Leander Paes was deeply emotional at his father's funeral. Sourav Ganguly offered comfort by embracing him and sharing words of support. The funeral mass was conducted at St Thomas' Church on Middleton Row. Former India cricketer Arun Lal and Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien joined the family and sports community in bidding farewell. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! The service concluded with interment at the Lower Circular Road Cemetery on AJC Bose Road. The graveside ceremony included flower offerings and candle lighting. The funeral procession made a stop at the Hockey Bengal tent where Dilip Tirkey paid his respects. The coffin was draped with flags of East Bengal club, Mohun Bagan, and Hockey Bengal. Calcutta Cricket and Football Club member Noomi Mehta, a former rugby teammate of Dr. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Got Knee Pain? Treatment in Uttara Model Town Might Surprise You Knee Pain Treatment | Search Ads Undo Paes, was present to console Leander Paes. Dr. Paes passed away on Thursday at 80 due to age-related illness and Parkinson's disease. He was known as a multifaceted sportsman who excelled as a hockey midfielder and rugby player before becoming a prominent sports medicine expert. "Dr Paes's absence will always remain in the hearts of sports fans, sports fraternities, and many other hockey players. As a player, as a doctor, he has supported the players a lot," Tirkey told PTI. "During the camp, he used to stay with the team, take care of the players, treat them, for many years, free of cost. As far as I am concerned, personally I saw him from close quarters during the Athens Olympics in 2004." "Today we are talking about sports science, and how players can advance in sports through this. But doctor have brought this in many years ago, and used to pay attention to this. Today, you are seeing the result of this." "In Indian sports, for the first time, we saw from one family, father and son winning Olympics medals -- Dr. Paes in hockey and then Leander in tennis. His mother was also the Indian basketball team captain. So it was a complete sports family." "Dr Paes absence will always be there. And we will never forget his contribution to hockey and the players and sports in general," Tirkey added. Dr. Paes served as president of the Indian Rugby Football Union from 1996 to 2002. After his playing career, he focused on sports medicine, working as a consultant for various sports organisations. He provided his expertise to the BCCI, Asian Cricket Council, All India Football Federation, and the Indian Olympic Association. He also travelled with the Indian Davis Cup team. Dr. Paes graduated from Nil Ratan Sircar Medical College in Kolkata. He was renowned for his sporting achievements and his dedication as a doctor and administrator. He was also recognised for his strong stance against age fraud and doping in sports. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik hospitalised, condition stable
BJD chief and Leader of the Opposition in Odisha Assembly , Naveen Patnaik , was admitted to a private hospital here on Sunday due to dehydration . Independence Day 2025 Modi signals new push for tech independence with local chips Before Trump, British used tariffs to kill Indian textile Bank of Azad Hind: When Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose gave India its own currency His health condition is stated to be stable. "Shri Naveen Patnaik was admitted to SUM Ultimate Medicare, Bhubaneswar, at 5.15 pm today due to dehydration. His condition is stable and he is responding well to treatment," a bulletin issued by the private hospital said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Could Be the Best Time to Trade Gold in 5 Years IC Markets Learn More Undo The 78-year-old former chief minister had complained of uneasiness on Saturday night and some doctors had visited his residence, Naveen Niwas, party leaders said. BJD leaders had earlier said that he was admitted due to age-related ailments. Live Events Patnaik, who had undergone spinal surgery for cervical arthritis at a hospital in Mumbai, had returned to Odisha on July 12. He had left for Mumbai on June 20 and underwent the procedure on June 22. He was discharged from the Mumbai hospital on July 7. PTI
