Harishvara Venkat fell in love with Nature at a young age. “My father used to photograph wild animals. We drove to Muthumalai forest every weekend,” he says.
He was gifted his first Canon AE1 film camera when he was 15 and immediately began photographing creatures in his backyard. Now a wildlife photographer, who also runs an ad agency, Harishvara has a special love for snakes. So, along with his friend, herpetologist Achyuthan Srikanthan, he has launched Brake for Snakes to create awareness on road kills for reptile.
“There is much attention given for conservation of mammals. But no one really talks about reptiles. One can’t speak of biodiversity without giving equal importance to all animals,” says Achyuthan.
They launched the programme in 2017 and visit schools, colleges and corporate offices to conduct awareness sessions. “Snakes are cold blooded and cannot control their body temperature. So, they move to the roads in the mornings for warmth. In the monsoons, the number of snakes crossing roads increases,” says Harishvara.
In their workshops, says Achyuthan, they dwell on the importance of snakes in the eco-system and tell audiences to look out for snakes while they drive. Harishvara and Achyuthan also distribute stickers that say, ‘Brake for Snakes’ with details of their Facebook page.
They duo work on busting myths surrounding snakes. “Many people believe that if a snake has not used its venom for many years, the venom solidifies and changes into Naagamanikyam that glows in the dark. This is scientifically impossible,” exclaims Harish.
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrakeForSnakes/
- Email: peltopelor@gmail.com or uberspan@gmail.com
Despite the fact that most of the snakes one is likely to encounter in India are non-venomous, people tend to kill them first and then ask questions, says Harishvara. He adds, “Non-venomous snakes that resemble venomous ones are always at risk. For example, the venomous common krait looks like the non-venomous common wolf snake. The only difference is that the krait’s head is flatter and more pointed. Both have dark brown bodies with yellow bands. Many killings can be avoided if there is a basic knowledge of the species. That is what we provide.”
The duo has conducted 15 sessions in Coimbatore and Bengaluru so far but has had to slow down as they don’t have sponsors, as they offer the sessions and stickers for free.