The State of Goa has reported an extent of Recorded Forest Area (RFA) of 1,225 square kilometres, which is 33.09 percent of its geographical area. The reserved and unclassed forests are 20.65 percent and 79.35 percent of the recorded forest area in the State respectively. Among the few venomous snakes in Goa are the cobras, including the King Cobra, the common Indian krait, the coral snake, the Russell’s viper, the saw-scaled viper and the bamboo pit viper.
A set of 10 Picture Post cards on ten common snakes of Goa were released by the Department of Posts, Goa Region, Goa.
Spectacled Cobra (Naja Naja): Venomous
Local Name: Naag, Sorop
The spectacled Cobra is equally worshipped and revered as it is feared and vilified. This snake the most widely distributed venomous snake in India. The animal is admired because of its raised hood which gives it a majestic look. However, because of this, it has been abused and commercially exploited for centuries.
Common Krait (Bungarus Carelus): Venomous
Local Name: Kanadar, Manyar
It is one of the most toxic snakes in India, with its venom being much more potent than that of Cobra. Besides, being nocturnal, the Common Krait is cannibalistic in nature and eats other snakes. The bite of this snake known to be initially painless, hence is usually ignored until severe symptoms are noticed. The Krait appears to be a docile snake, but do not underestimate it, as it is the most unpredictable and hardly gives any warning before a bite.
RUSSELS VIPER (Daboiarusselii): Venomous
Local Name: Kusdom Mandol, Ghonas
The Russell’s Viper results in the majority snake bites and deaths related snake bites. Commonly mistaken as a non-venomous python, this snake always keeps to itself. However, it is a very tolerant snake if provoked and will strike with hinged fangs that can grow up to an inch long. When threatened, it makes a loud hissing sound, which resembles steam being released from a pressure cooker. Definitively, do not underestimate it for its sluggish movement because this snake can strike real quick.
SAW SCALED VIPER (Echis): Venomous
Local Name: Furshe, Fursa
Despite its small size, it is considered amongst the big four venomous snakes found in India. This is because it has venom potent enough to kill a human being. The snake derives its name from the fact that when it is threatened, it rubs its scale against each other creating a sawing noise. While the noise maybe faint to hear, but if heard, it is obvious warning is one of the fastest striking snakes in the world with surprising long fangs folded in its mouth.
HARMLESS SNAKES
VINE SNAKE INDIAN ROCK PYTHON
BANDED KUKRI WHITAKERS BOA
Snakes are least concerned with human presence, until they feel threatened. Leave them alone and be rest assured that rodents and insects are kept under control, in turn helping maintain a balanced ecosystem.
(The writer is the former president of Goa Philately and Numismatics Society.)
