State wildlife authorities launch app to rescue snakes
Forest Secretary Supriya Sahu said the app, developed by Leopard Labs, functions as a direct interface between the public and trained snake rescuers. Madras Crocodile Bank Trust will be its legal advisor. "The app is designed as a powerful regulatory and scientific tool to ensure ethical, documented, and certified rescues of snakes across TN," she said.
NAAGAM enables the public to raise snake rescue requests with a simple tap, automatically alerting the nearest certified rescuer.
It ensures only trained and certified rescuers respond, minimising the risk of unethical or unsafe handling of snakes that stray into homes.
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The app also allows rescuers to record critical rescue data, including snake species, location of rescue, photographs, and release site details. A public awareness programme will be conducted post-rescue. It also collects and organises real-time biodiversity data on snake sightings and rescues, contributing to long-term conservation strategies, Sahu said.
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The app provides location-specific information on nearby hospitals and primary health centres with antivenom stocks, adding critical value during emergencies.
As part of the celebrations, the forest department launched a technical training workshop for snake rescuers, attended by officials from the forest department, herpetologists, and certified rescuers from across the state. The NAAGAM app will soon be available for public use on both iOS and Android platforms, she added.
At Chennai Snake Park, as part of the World Snake Day celebrations, a cartoon titled 'Snakes are farmers' friends' in Tamil, English, and Hindi was released.
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