Not many foresters are trained in snake handling and rescue operations. With foresters having to deal with snake encounters in forests and especially in residential areas, it is important for field officials to be equipped with snake handling and rescue skills. For this, 50 foresters from 24 field offices of the Forest and Park Services Department took part in a three-day training in Sarpang which concluded yesterday.
A live lesser black krait was used for the handling lessons. The instructor shows how to use a snake-grabbing tong to safely put it in a bag.
This is a crucial skill for foresters as they often come across individuals asking them to help remove snakes from their homes and relocate them to safer places.
The participants said that the training would help them ensure the safety of the residents and the well-being of the snakes.
“We learned how to identify venomous and non-venomous snakes. Likewise, we also learned about the significance of snakes to the ecosystem. We were also trained on what equipment to use and what protocol to follow during a snake rescue,” said Sherab Gyamtsho, a participant.
“The field officers and the foresters will have more knowledge on handling snakes and rescue them from the residential areas and relocate them to safer sites,” said Karna Badhur Ghalley, a participant.
The participants were also taught how to identify venomous and non-venomous snakes. A Trachischium, commonly known as a worm-eating snake was used for demonstration. Additionally, they were also taught the techniques for avoiding snakebites, appropriate first aid methods, and symptoms of bites by venomous snakes such as cobras, kraits and vipers. The participants were also introduced to treatments after snakebites.
The training is funded by Bhutan For Life with technical assistance from the Wildlife Trust of India. The Department of Forest and Park Services’ Nature Conservation Division in collaboration with Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Forest Research and Training organised the training.
According to forestry officials, Bhutan has around 80 species of snakes of which 17 species are venomous.
Karma Wangdi, Sarpang
Edited by Kipchu
