Rescued rock python returns to natural habitat

Krishnagiri: An Indian rock python, an endangered species protected under schedule 1 of the Indian Wildlife Act, 1972, has been rescued by villagers.

On Sunday, a group of people in Kurakkanapalli village saw a rock python in a field near their village on the fringe of the reserved forest. They caught the 10-foot-long snake which weighs about 20 kg. The snake was handed over to the forest department to be released in the reserved forest in Neralagiri and Veepanahalli.

Krishnagiri district forest officer A.K. Ulaganathan, who was promoted as conservator for the western region, said, “About 300 rock pythons are rescued every year and released in the reserved forest. More than 95 snakes were caught till November this year.”

He added, “The rock python, a cold-blooded creature enters villages during its migration to warmer places. Its population has increased because of a belief that python snakes are the descendent sof snake goddess Vasuki.”

A proposal has been sent to establish a sanctuary for snakes. This will be the world’s first sanctuary for rock pythons if the government gives its nod. The proposed sanctuary will come up over 250 sq km of the reserved forest area in Krishnagiri, covering places like Maharajakadai, Thattakal, Veepanahallai, Thokarapalli and Bethathallapalli to house about 3,000 snakes, including rock python, sand boa and cobra that dwell here.