SAIIER 2016:Snakes of Auroville & Pondicherry
 Scenes from Sri Aurobindo's Savitri |
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 Sopanam - Parts of Being |
| Snakes of Auroville & Pondicherry | ||
Introduction
This publication is a handbook on the common snakes found in the Auroville region, which can help Aurovilians learn to identify the snakes that are commonly seen around. It includes color photographs and other identification tips helpful for anyone using it.
My (Rajeev) aim with this project was to raise awareness and respect for Auroville’s wildlife and snakes in particular. Some people kill snakes without hesitation, and it is important to help them change their understanding by educating them that the majority of snakes are harmless to humans, and that snakes are very useful to us as the most effective rodent eaters.
Description of project
Over the years I have been involved in rescuing snakes and educating people specially on snakes. When people find snakes in their homes they often panic. Killing a snake is not the best option.
Working with students in Auroville has brought a lot of improvements, as children naturally respect wild creatures and readily discover the joy and wonder in learning about them. I work especially with the students at Deepanam School in the Life Science Lab.
With all this effort of educating students and adults it was time for me to put together a handbook that is simple and comprehensible for all to use. Over the past several years I have been photographing snakes rescued from Auroville, and slowly built up a good collection. This has made it possible for the booklet to now be put together.
Tixon at AVDzines helped to create the design and layout. We worked closely together on this project.
Outcomes
1000 copies were printed of “Snakes of Auroville and Pondicherry”, a softcover book with 56 color pages. It includes the 20 most common species of snakes in our region. Each species has a color photograph and text about the snake. The book also includes additional information on:
- Look alikes: some venomous and non-venomous snakes look similar, and these are compared so that people may not confuse between them.
- Snake senses and physiology.
- What to do in case of a snake bite.
Several copies of the book will be given to each of the Auroville schools and Outreach schools, and I am planning to give presentations about snakes, also introducing the book, to schools who are interested.
