Workshop for Snake handler’s held.

A Snake Handler’s workshop was held at Sweet Home Guest house, Candolim on 17^th July by Herpactive in collabration with the Mhadei Research Center.

The workshop was attended by 18 snake handlers and rescuers from North Goa. These inlcuded rescuers from NGO’s, individual wildlife volunteers and reptile enthusiasts.

Goan herpetologist Nirmal Kulkarni conducted the 3 hour workshop and was assisted by Ms Glenda Dsouza and Ms Tarika Kiran.

Participants were familiarized with tools and equipment used for snake study and were also made aware of the latest snake bite protocol as is practiced in moderen times.

Other topics included were introduction to basic data sheets and keeping records, techniques and need for serious snake research in Goa and the legal aspects of snake and reptile conservation.

Another important topic covered was the effects of rescue and relocation of snakes from urban to forest habitat. The need for creating awareness about snakes and their benefits in an urban landscape was aslo stressed and discussed by all present.

The program ended with a film ‘One Million Snake Bites’ that was screened for the participants.

The workshop was the first in a series of workshops to be held across the state for creating awareness about serious reptile conservation in the state of Goa. Herpactive is an initiative by Nirmal Kulkarni, herpetologist and wildlife photographer to create awareness and instill appreciation for Herpetofauna (reptiles and amphibians) of Goa in particular and the country in general. Herpactive aims to promote the science of field herpetology by conducting walks, surveys, training workshops and field technique sessions for budding herp- enthusiasts as well as serious students of mainstream science.