Learning Objectives
- Learn about snakes and their characteristics
- Understand the life of snake charmers and why their practice has changed
- Know about the Wildlife Protection Act and why it is important
- Overcome unnecessary fear of snakes and understand their role in nature
Key Concepts
About Snakes
Snakes are reptiles. They have long bodies with no legs and are covered in dry scales. Snakes move by sliding on their belly. They smell using their tongue, which they flick in and out to catch scent particles from the air. Snakes cannot hear sounds through the air, but they can feel vibrations through the ground. Most snakes are not poisonous and are harmless to humans.
Types of Snakes in India
India has many types of snakes. The cobra is one of the most well-known. The king cobra is the longest venomous snake in the world. The python is a very large, non-venomous snake that squeezes its prey. The krait is a small but very venomous snake. The rat snake is non-venomous and helps farmers by eating rats. Remember, most snakes avoid humans and only bite when they feel threatened.
Snake Charmers
Snake charmers (sapere) used to catch snakes and make them "dance" to the tune of a been (musical instrument). But snakes cannot actually hear music! They follow the movement of the been. The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 now makes it illegal to catch or keep wild animals, including snakes. Many snake charmers have now found other ways to earn a living.
Protecting Wildlife
The Wildlife Protection Act protects wild animals from being captured, killed, or traded. This law is important because many animals were becoming endangered (at risk of disappearing forever). Snakes are important for nature because they control the population of rats and other pests. We should not kill snakes; instead, call a snake rescuer if we find one near our home.
Important Terms
- Reptile: A cold-blooded animal with scales, like snakes, lizards, and turtles
- Venomous: An animal whose bite or sting contains poison (venom)
- Non-venomous: An animal that does not have venom and is not poisonous
- Wildlife Protection Act: An Indian law (1972) that protects wild animals and plants
- Endangered: At risk of becoming extinct (disappearing forever)
- Snake Charmer: A person who catches snakes and makes them perform
Quick Revision
- Snakes are reptiles with no legs, covered in dry scales
- Snakes smell with their tongue and feel vibrations through the ground
- Most snakes in India are non-venomous and harmless
- The Wildlife Protection Act (1972) makes it illegal to catch wild animals
- Snakes help farmers by eating rats and pests
- Never try to catch or kill a snake; call a snake rescuer instead