As temperatures soar, the scorching heatwave gripping Bangladesh not only triggers discomfort among humans but also leads to a concerning rise in snake bites, posing risks to both individuals and wildlife.
Volunteers on the frontline report a noticeable uptick in daily requests for snakebite treatment compared to previous years, citing the relentless heat as a contributing factor.
Snake Rescue Team Bangladesh, a dedicated voluntary organization, warns of increased snake encounters nationwide due to the current intense heat, urging heightened vigilance during this period.
Md Zubaidur Rahman, vice president of the organization, highlights their ongoing efforts to raise awareness about snake bites and conduct rescue operations. The organization is inundated with calls from families of snakebite victims and requests for snake rescues across the country.
“This year, we’re fielding four to five emergency calls daily, a significant jump from last year,” Zubaidur stated.
Emphasizing the importance of trained personnel, he notes that only individuals certified under the Forest Department should undertake wildlife rescue operations.
Dr. M Monirul H Khan, a professor in the Department of Zoology at Jahangirnagar University, explains that snakes, as cold-blooded creatures, become more active in summer and less so in winter, with exceptions in Bangladesh’s climate.
“Snakes remain active throughout the year here, except for a few weeks in December-January,” Dr. Khan added.
Research conducted in the US reveals a direct correlation between rising temperatures and increased snakebite rates, with a 6% rise for every 0.8°C increase in temperature.
“The fluctuating external temperatures directly influence snake body temperature and behavior,” the study concludes, underlining the complex interplay between climate and wildlife interactions.
