LATELY, there has been a heated public discussion about the sightings of Russell鈥檚 viper. Discussions are going on from social media to our national parliament. Many statements are made. The snake scare that has gone viral on social media has spread very quickly to remote corners of the country. This snake is a venomous snake of the species Daboia russelii. This snake is a terrestrial reptile that belongs to the Viperidae family. The habitat of this snake is related to its food source.
That is why, where there is an abundance of their food, there are more snakes found. The diet of this snake is mainly rodents, small birds, chameleons or lizards, frogs, and insects. Therefore, in the environment where these foods will be more prevalent, Russell鈥檚 viper will also be more present. Considering that, the presence of this snake should be much greater in the land of grains, especially wheat, maize, and paddy fields. A report has shown that 70鈥�80 per cent of grains are damaged by rodents.
It is therefore understandable that the presence of mice is the main reason for inviting this snake to the crop field. As a measure of ecological balance, the abundance of these snakes is an important element. The presence of this snake is normal in different districts, including Jessore, Rajshahi, Manikganj, etc. There is nothing to fear, but there is also no alternative to awareness. A study conducted by Discovery Wildlife found that the world鈥檚 most dangerous and deadly animal is not a snake-like creature, a giant blue whale, a ferocious lion, or a Royal Bengal tiger.
The most dreaded killer is the mosquito, a tiny insect that carries deadly germs that kill humans. Based on the number of human deaths due to snake venom, this animal is the 3rd most endangered animal. Research has shown that 138,000 people die from snakebite poisoning annually and 725,000 people die every year from mosquito bites. A survey in Bangladesh showed that 235 patients were admitted to Rajshahi Medical College with Russell鈥檚 viper bites in 2013鈥揓une 2024, and听 of them, 69 (29.36 per cent) died.
Another survey shows that in Bangladesh, 7,500 people die from snakebite every year, of which 100 die from Russell鈥檚 viper bites. That is, 1.33 per cent of people who die from snake bites die from Russell鈥檚 viper bites. It is true that we do not want even one death. However, rumours can never be counted. It is desirable that social media provide accurate, informative, and reliable news to people.
There is a close relationship between biotic, ie, living organisms, and abiotic, or non-living, materials in maintaining the balance of the environment. The creator has provided this balance, considering all the factors. Various research reports have shown that changes in any one element can lead to massive changes in ecosystems. A lot of damage is done to the environment. The human race is affected by the same continuity. We must consider how the balance of nature is preserved in the presence of Russell鈥檚 viper and how much profit or loss is caused to humans.
The main food grain in our country is paddy, along with wheat and maize. All are grains. As I said earlier, every year, 70鈥�80 per cent of this cereal is damaged by rats. When rats infest a field, the grains are infected by many pathogens, which are transported to the human body and spread many diseases. Russell鈥檚 viper acts as a predator for these rodents. Thus, Russell鈥檚 Viper acts as a factor in our enormous financial savings. In addition to maintaining the ecological balance by suppressing rodents, it also contributes to public health by preventing rodent-borne diseases.
This innocent (scary-looking) snake lives in rat holes and is forced to bite humans out of fear of humans. Due to the colour of this snake鈥檚 skin, if people carelessly get too close to the snake, it bites people. Although these snakes are more common in bushes and fields than in houses, farmers must be careful when carrying out their daily activities. Along with taking personal protection, one must act cautiously by creating noise with a stick where possible, i.e., by hitting a stick on a bush or a pile of crops. If necessary, wear gumboots and full pants during work in the field. Again, since this grain is a favourite of mice, farmers should be very careful when storing food grains. It is better not to use the house where food grains are stored. At the same time, one should beware of rat holes in stored food grains.
This snake can swim in water and can take shelter from one district to another by swimming in water. For that reason, there is a need for awareness among the people living in the river basin. People living in the river where there are grazing areas should be aware of the habitat, breeding, and character of these snakes in advance. If we can create a clear idea and a warning about this snake in all the public institutions, we will be safe from rumours and live a peaceful life. For example, schools, colleges, mosques, temples, and other places of worship should be properly explained to the public to create awareness and involvement. As the bite of this snake does not cause immediate death, the victim should be taken to the nearest health complex immediately after providing protection.
It is necessary to ensure that training is performed and the necessary antivenom is administered after a Russell鈥檚 viper bite. At the same time, this problem can be solved very easily with the involvement of common people through inter-ministerial relations with the ministries of agriculture, health, home affairs, forests, and environment. In monsoon, the breeding grounds for the most deadly insect, the mosquito, are increasing. Along with Russell鈥檚 viper, vigilance is also essential to avoid the dreaded insect mosquito.
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Professor Md Golam Sharower is chairperson of the entomology department at the National Institute of Preventive and Social Medicine.
