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Reptiles finding their way into human habitats

Page IV . Bombay Times, The Times of India . Friday 21 August 2009

Though the monsoons have not gushed in with full force this year, we still need to be prepared to tackle the common problems that creep up during the rain. With the earthy wet soil stimulating a whiff of freshness all around, we can’t stop ourselves from taking beautiful rainy strolls through the mist, muck and …. and some dangerous crawling reptiles. Yes your guess is right; we can’t ignore the snakes that worry us during monsoons. Snakes are very commonly found in our suburbs because of rich green foliage that we are gifted with. Where there is dense greenery, there will be various inhabitants as they all form a part of the ecological structure created by nature.

Snakes come out in monsoons when their burrows get filled up with water. Snakes also seek dry areas when they are shedding their skin. As more builders start encroaching forest areas for residential and commercial constructions, more of the wild life gets diverted into the city. Snakes are gradually losing their nature habitat because of which they sneak into human dwellings looking for food. City snakes primarily thrive on rats. So logically speaking, unclean residential societies which have a lot of rat menace due to delayed garbage disposal invite more snakes.
Sunish Subramanian , the Founder and Secretary of PAWS-Mumbai, an animal rescue NGO, says, “A lot of snakes get spotted during monsoons of which the most commonly found are the spectacled Cobra, Russell’s Viper, Saw-Scalled Viper, Common Indian Krait and Vine Snakes. These are all venomous snakes. The Rat Snake (Dhaman) and the Banded Kukri are also found in large numbers in our suburbs but they are non venomous.”

Talking about precautions that residents should take in this regard, he further add, “Residents should make sure that their society lawns and bushes are neatly trimmed to provide less hiding space to those reptiles. Also, since snakes bury themselves into rat holes, societies should look out for such holes and seal them.”

A snake catcher affiliated with the Mumbai Fire Brigade says, “It’s a myth that snakes come out only in the night. Most of the calls that we get from local residents are during afternoon hours when snakes get out of their burrows to look out for food.”

Killing snakes is a punishable offence but when confronted with a danger situation, we humans try to find the quickest escape possible. If you spot a snake in your vicinity do not kill it, call a snake rescue team for help. Also make sure that you stay calm and do not provoke the snake until the rescue team arrives.

For prompt help, you may contact PAWS-Mumbai Helpline on 9892179542

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Wild animals, birds as pets?

Page 6 . ADC City . Tuesday, August 18, 2009

PAWS conducts spl. drive to check pets at homes

You could be in real trouble if you have a hobby of keeping wild animals or birds as pets at home. The Mumbai based PAWS (Plant & Animals Welfare Society) Mumbai had launched a special drive against those who flout laws by keeping prohibited animals at their residence.

In a recent raid conducted by PAWS activists with Forest Officer’s vigilance squad at Kandivli, 25 Muniyas and five parrots were seized from the home of Pankaj Pawar.

According to Sunish Subramanian, a large number of wild birds were being illegally caged Pawar’s residence at Ashmita Co-operative Housing Society. Following this tip-off, a PAWS-Mumbai team visited the area to check out the facts and later lodged a complaint with the Range Forest Office (RFO), Vigilance Squad.

According to T.N.Patil, Range Forest Officer, “We have seized the birds from Pankaj Pawar’s residence and also registered case in this matter against him under the Wildlife Protection Act.”

What comes under Wild Life Protection Act

HUNTING, keeping or breeding of any wild animals and birds. Acquiring, receiving, keeping in control, custody or possession, and selling wild animals like monkeys, snakes, bears, etc. or any wild birds. This includes parakeets and mynahs. Selling skins or meat of wild animals. This includes monitor lizards oil or oil made of any other creature. Dealing in stuffed squirrels, snake skins and peacock feathers. These all are punishable under Wild Life Protection Act, 1972.

Slum kids treat turtle as toy, injure its eye

City . Monday, August 17, 2009 . Page 9

A turtle, which had become a plaything for a few slum children, was rescued by five activists of the student’s wing of Plant and Animals Welfare Society (PAWS) Mumbai. However, by the time the activists reached the spot, the children had caused serious damage to one of its eyes.

The turtle is at present being treated by activists of PAWS, who will hand it over to a forest range officer later this week.

It was on Saturday that the activists received a phone call from an anonymous person stating a few kids in Bhandup were seen playing with the reptile. The caller said the kids were trying to force the turtle to swim in a drain.

Five student activists of PAWS — Nisha Kunju, an MBA student, Vishnu Nair and Priti Yadav, Std VIII students of Bright English High School, Shilpa Gupta, a Std VII student of National English High School and Hitesh Yadav of NES Sunbeam School, immediately rushed to the spot.

“The slum children were dragging the turtle all over the street with a string attached to one of its legs. They had covered the turtle with stone and mud, some of which entered its eye. As we called out to the kids, they let go of the string and disappeared from sight,” said Shilpa.

“On close inspection, we saw a deep injury in its left eye. We immediately informed the forest range officer. We are taking care of the turtle and getting it treated. Once it gets well, we will hand it over to the forest officer or release it inside a well situated in the compound of forest range office at Amar Nagar in Mulund Colony,” said Nisha.

Sunish Subramanian, secretary of PAWS, Mumbai, said children usually tend to be unaware of the harm they may be causing an animal, “We are creating awareness among school and college students about plants and animals. We allow school students to be a part of PAWS as it helps to sensitise them towards the environment and living creatures,” said Subramanian.

Horse owner charged with ‘cruelty’, put behind bars

Wednesday, August 12, 2009 . City . Page 8

Finally, after two months of investigations, the police have arrested Robert, the owner of the horses which fell to their death from the Andheri flyover on June 14. He has been charged with cruelty to the animals.

A Mumbai-based NGO, PAWS-Mumbai, that is the complainant in the case, has alleged that it had provided all evidence to the Andheri police, which pointed to the owner as being responsible for the death of the horses, but even then it took more than two months to nab the accused.

It may be recalled that on June 14, at around 2.45 pm, eye-witness saw two horses tumble from the Andheri flyover. Interestingly, no one informed the police of the incident. However, a Mumbai-based NGO, on learning of the incident, took the initiative and filed a complaint at the Andheri Police Station.

It later became known that Robert had buried one horse, while the other was admitted to the Parel’s Animal Hospital where it died because of the injuries suffered in the fall.

With the police remaining largely inactive, the NGO went to the Animal Welfare Board which then wrote to the Mumbai Police Commissioner insisting on an enquiry in the matter. The police had to finally nab Robert from his Andheri residence.

Sunish Subramanian, head of NGO said, “It is a big win for our team.”

According to A.A. Sonawane, Investigation officer, from Andheri Police station, “After investigation we found that Robert was responsible for death of both horses and have arrested him under Section 11A (1)(2) of Prevention of Cruelty of Animal Act, 1960.”