This year, August 9 is celebrated as Nag Panchami all over India. The State of Goa has reported extent of Recorded Forest Area of 1,225 sq km which is 33.09 percent of its geographical area. The reserved and unclassified forests are 20.65 percent and 79.35 percent of the recorded forest area in the State respectively.
Snakes are least concerned with human presence, until they feel threatened. Leave them alone and be rest assured that rodents and insects in the vicinity are kept under control, in turn helping maintain a balanced ecosystem. Snakes are never as dangerous as they are perceived to be. Snakes are never aggressive, at the most they are defensive. 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 ten Picture Post cards on ten common snakes of Goa were released by the Department of Posts, Goa Region, Goa. The Photographs were taken by Benhail Antao, and features ten venomous and non-venomous snakes. The non-venomous snakes in the collection includes vine snake, Indian rock python, Whitakers boa and the banded kukri.
Spectacled Cobra (Naja Naja): Venomous
Maximum length: 220 cm
Local Name: Naag, Sorop
The spectacled Cobra is equally worshipped and revered as it is feared and vilified. This snake is 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
Maximum Length: 150 cm
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 is 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.
RUSSEL’S VIPER (Daboiarusselii): Venomous
Max Length: 180 cm
Local Name: Kusdom, Mandol, Ghonas
The Russell’s viper results in the majority of deaths related to snake bites. Commonly mistaken as a non-venomous python, this snake always keeps to itself. However, it is a very tolerant snake until 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
Max Length: 50 cm
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. It rubs its scale against each other creating a sawing noise. While the sound might be faint to hear, but if heard, it is obvious warning sign as it is one of the fastest striking snakes in the world with surprising long fangs folded in its mouth.
