Every year 16th of July is celebrated as World Snake Day, the day was created to increase awareness about different species of snakes and also help people learn more about these reptile creatures. The day is celebrated especially by the wildlife enthusiasts and snake lovers. A lot of people are afraid of snakes and associate negative things to these creatures but they don’t know how much they are important for the ecosystem of the world.
Snakes are known to be one of the oldest life forms to exist and have existed in the world. They are known as sharp predators and play and important role in maintaining the balance of nature. They seem fascinating because of their diversity and appearance. They have a deep-rooted prehistoric lineage. The modern reptiles are a lineage of Dinosaurs. There are approximately 3400 species of snakes in the world, ranging from semi-frozen tundra region of north Canada to the dense and green jungles of Amazon and out of which only 600 are venomous.
With the increasing level of deforestation, climate change, and several other factors that is causing a decline in the habitats of snakes, it has become an important we collectively put in an effort to preserve their well-being. They are found in every continent except Antarctica, in the sea, forests, deserts, prairies, and even live among us. They can consume many different animals including insects, small rodents and frogs. Snakes are able to eat their prey whole because their lower jaw can separate from the upper jaw. Some very large snakes can even eat small deer, pigs, monkeys and even primates.
Snakes have wonderful defence skills. They use adaptive camouflage, use their teeth even for their venomous bit for those they feel threatened from. Sometimes they also curl up in a tight ball to avoid being seen.
Many people have snakes as a pet However, snakes may not be the right pet for everyone, but if one has it in can take on the challenge it is to own and care for a pet snake, World Snake Day may be the time to make that decision. If not, however, one can take advantage of this day to learn some more about these incredible animals and contribute to their conservation.According to friends of snake society (Hyderabad), “the only way to make a snakes less fearsome isstart with a visit to the local zoo, sanctuary, or at the very least, a pet shop”.
Snakes are the creatures also known to be worshipped, in India Nag Panchami is the traditional worship of serpent Gods which is observed by Hindus all over India. According to Hindu calendar fifth day of Shraavana month of Lunar calendar is celebrated as Nag Panchami. India is well known in the world for worshipping and celebrating mother nature and its creatures. In India if one is surprized by a snake in the house, they won’t kill it but will try to get them outside to a safe escape.
The World Snake Day is an important contribution to the cause of conservation of a dangerous but mostly mispresented wildlife creature.
