For a group of animal activists from Hyderabad, rescuing a dangerous snake literally gave birth to something phenomenal. A two-headed Russell’s Viper was born on Sunday at the shelter of the Friends of Snakes Society in the city.
According to members of the NGO, this is the first time in two decades of the organisation’s operation, that they are witnessing a living specimen with this genetic condition.
The remaining 17 hatchlings of a rescued snake are healthy, except the one which was born with the rare genetic condition resulting in two heads instead of one, said Avinash Visvanathan, general secretary of the society.
“This may occur frequently in the wild. However, such specimens do not live for long and hence, are seldom witnessed by humans. Both the heads of this Russell’s Viper are functional. However, possessing two heads is a disadvantage, in terms of mobility and coordination, hence they are preyed upon before they reach adulthood or they might starve to death due to inefficient hunting abilities,” said Mr. Avinash.
The specimen will be kept in captivity at the shelter and care will be provided to it since it cannot be relocated as it would not survive in the wild.
