A wave of panic has gripped Bangladesh, driven by fear of the Russell’s viper, a venomous snake. This fear has resulted in the widespread killing of snakes, including non-venomous species, across the country. The situation is so dire that the government has stepped in, urging citizens to refrain from killing snakes and issuing guidelines for protecting both people and snakes.
The panic originated from a viral Facebook post on June 16th, claiming a Russell’s viper was killed in a village. While the post was later deemed to be a false alarm, it triggered a wave of similar claims across Bangladesh. The situation was exacerbated by reports of deaths caused by snake bites, though the species of the snake in many cases could not be identified.
The deaths, however, coincided with the paddy plantation season, when snake bites are more common in rice-growing areas, leading to a surge in fear and misinformation about Russell’s vipers. As a result, various types of snakes, including non-venomous ones, are being killed out of fear.
Experts are concerned about the indiscriminate killing of snakes, warning that it poses a serious threat to biodiversity and ecological balance. Snakes play a crucial role in controlling pest populations, particularly rats, which can cause significant crop damage. The unchecked killing of snakes could lead to an increase in rat populations, affecting food security.
The government has launched an awareness campaign, highlighting that Russell’s vipers are not aggressive and only attack when provoked. They have also emphasized the legal implications of killing snakes, as Russell’s vipers are a protected species under the Wildlife Act 2012. The Act carries a penalty of up to seven years in prison for killing protected species.
The fear of Russell’s vipers in Bangladesh is rooted in its history. While the species was thought to be extinct in the country for nearly a century, it reappeared around 2013. Since then, there have been numerous reports of deaths caused by its bites, primarily affecting farmers working in their fields.
The fear has reached such a level that the Bangladesh Venom Research Centre is planning to develop indigenous anti-venom, as the country currently relies on imported doses. The situation in Bangladesh underscores the importance of responsible wildlife management and the need for accurate information to prevent unnecessary harm to both humans and the environment.
