Bio-diversity

The snake bitten patients do not get any immediate treatment and usually die on the spot. If some lucky people reach the hospitals they do not get proper treatment due to lack of proper medicines in the hospitals. The doctors in the hospitals cannot properly treat these patients because of insufficient knowledge and lack of proper training about snakes, their kinds and their poison and its mode of action. Above all there is lack of research on snakes in Pakistan. There is not single databank to keep the information and type of the snakes, their properties and effect of poison of different snakes. There is only a single laboratory that prepares AVS and supply it to limited areas. Additionally the populations of snakes dwindling day by day. The major reason of decline in snake population being capture of snakes for its skin and venom as well as display by snake charmers. Snakes are captured for their venom, but unfortunately, after taking the venom they are not returned to their natural and preferred environment. This practice is a great threat to snakes and many rare species are endangered because of this practice. Snakes instill fear in man. Contrary to their reputation however, they are very inoffensive and shy by nature. People are eager to know about them, but also kill them ruthlessly wherever and whenever they appear due to the myths and dangers associated with them. An increasing number of studies and researches have unveiled the medicinal importance of the venom as a remedy for some dreadful diseases. Locally, snake`s skin and fat are used for the treatment of a number of diseases such as asthma, tuberculosis, gonorrhea and sexual weakness. Economically, they are considered as a potential source of skins, meat and venom. Ecologically they occupy a very important place, as they act as predators to species such as rats and other rodents and protect crops from these menaces, therefore keeping the ecosystem in balance. Though herpetologists and naturalists are trying to learn more about their habits and habitats, structure, nature and economic importance, much work needs to be done in this context .One thing is certain, that this creature is neither useless nor as aggressive as was once thought. Illegal trading for different purposes, is one of the biggest challenge faced by the population of snakes: in our region snake charmers catch these snakes for show or exhibition in different cities, moreover fight between snake and mongoose is a favorite past time of the people, which often results in the death of the snake. The project operational area will be Hyderabad and Matiari of Sindh The activities of the project will benefit snakebite patient of Districts of Thatta, Badin Hyderabad, Matiari Jamshoro. The rural areas of above-mentioned districts are very underdeveloped. There is a dire need of education, employment and health facilities in those areas. The snakes are found in plenty numbers in these areas (name major species and then point out the poisonous ones). Many humans and animals die by snakebites (give district wise statistics if available). It is estimated that following reasons dies 4500 people annually. Project Objectives: To provide the awareness regarding snakes and its venom virulence to community and ways and means of preventing snakebite. Establish snakebite treatment center at Hyderabad. Snake research center for compilation of work of Nawab Ahmed khan Leghari s work on snakes and general baseline of herpetology of the area To record traditional knowledge of Jogis.

Pakistan