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In our efforts to better understand the snakebite scenario in India, we are traveling to different regions, collecting information on snakebite, understanding the species involved and assessing the strength and composition of their venoms. India suffers almost fifty thousand deaths from snakebite each year.

Many of these deaths are because we don’t have a firm understanding of which species are actually medically significant and what their venom is composed of. Over the last two years, we have been traveling to different parts of the country, collecting venom and testing it for potency, the efficacy of existing antivenom on it and analyzing its composition. The intention is to eventually come up with a better antivenom and also spread awareness about snakebite, its first aid and treatment.

Goa is a very valuable region from the perspective of diversity of venomous species. There are also a significant number of snakebites reported from the region. We will be targeting eight species on our expedition to Goa. In June 2012, we will take a team of people up to different locations in Goa, looking for venomous snake species from coral snakes and kraits to Russell’s vipers and bamboo pit vipers.

We will base ourselves at one field station and two wildlife resorts that are located in areas rich with herpetofauna.

These expeditions are made possible by the participation of enthusiasts who gain the experience of this unique field work while also interacting with experts in the field. It is also an ideal way to experience a diverse array of herpetofauna in one of the most bio-diverse regions on the planet- The Western Ghats.For further details and to register, contact Gerry on Gerry@gerrymartin.in