Rising Snakebite Incidences in South Asia: Is Climate Change to Blame?
While folklore, media, and pop culture often portray snakes as symbols of danger, the real threat snakes pose to humans is much more immediate and deadly — snakebites. Recent studies indicate an escalating trend of snakebite incidents in South Asian countries. A particularly concerning factor contributing to this rise is climate change. This article delves into this alarming issue, providing insights into the reasons behind the surge, the role of climate change, and the possible solutions.
Table of Contents
- The Current Situation
- Most Affected Regions in South Asia
- The Deadly Culprits
- The Venomous Threat
- The Role of Antivenom
- Antivenom Accessibility
- Climate Change and Snakebite Incidences
- Human-Snake Interactions
- Why We Need Snakes
- Snakebite Prevention and Snake Conservation
- Conclusion
- References
The Current Situation
According to World Health Organization (WHO) estimates, nearly 5.4 million people worldwide fall victim to snakebites each year, with venomous snakes accounting for half of these bites. Consequently, snakebites result in approximately 100,000 fatalities annually.
South Asia notably contributes to almost 70% of these deaths. WHO data suggests that in India alone, around 58,000 deaths occur annually due to snakebite envenoming from about a million cases. Worryingly, research from the University of Kelaniya in Sri Lanka indicates that climate change may further exacerbate this issue.
Most Affected Regions in South Asia
The WHO describes South Asia as a “biodiversity hotspot for venomous snakes,” which, combined with the region’s densely populated agrarian communities, creates a high-risk environment for snakebites.
However, accurate data regarding snakebite incidents in South Asia is somewhat lacking. The last official figure from Pakistan dates back to 2007, indicating 40,000 snakebites and 8,200 resultant deaths. Similarly, Nepal lacks official data, but a local study estimates around 40,000 snakebite incidents annually, causing approximately 3,000 deaths.
In Sri Lanka, the WHO estimated that between 2012 and 2013, 33,000 snakebites resulted in 400 deaths. However, these figures are thought to be significantly underreported due to the lack of comprehensive research on snakebites in South Asia.
The Deadly Culprits
The “big four” venomous snakes common in South Asia include the common krait, Russell’s viper, saw-scaled viper, and the Indian cobra. Other notable species include the king cobra, found in northern India and Nepal, and various species of vipers and kraits present in Sri Lanka.
The Venomous Threat
Out of the estimated 5.4 million snakebite incidents annually, 1.8 to 2.7 million result in “envenoming” — a potentially fatal condition caused by snake venom. The type of venom varies with the snake species and can cause symptoms to manifest anywhere from a few minutes to several hours after the bite.
The Role of Antivenom
Antivenom, produced by extracting venom from snakes, is the primary treatment for venomous snakebites. However, the effectiveness of antivenom can vary depending on local variations in snake species due to differences in geography and diet.
Antivenom Accessibility
Despite the crucial role of antivenom, many people in South Asia are unaware of its existence, particularly in rural regions. Additionally, antivenom production needs significant improvement throughout South Asia, and the treatment must be made more affordable and accessible.
Climate Change and Snakebite Incidences
Research indicates a strong correlation between rising temperatures and increased snakebite incidents. As global warming makes certain habitats unsuitable for snakes, these reptiles are forced to migrate to more suitable areas, often resulting in increased human-snake interactions.
Human-Snake Interactions
Human encroachment into natural snake habitats and climate-induced habitat loss are causing an increase in human-snake interactions, leading to more snakebites. Furthermore, the stress caused by these displacements may lead to erratic snake behavior, resulting in venomous bites.
Why We Need Snakes
Despite the threats they pose, snakes play a critical role in maintaining the balance of our ecosystem. They serve as natural pest control by preying on rats and rodents and provide food for other animals like hawks and owls.
Snakebite Prevention and Snake Conservation
Preventive measures against snakebites, such as proper grain storage and pest control, can significantly reduce snakebite incidents. Moreover, raising awareness about the importance of immediate medical treatment following a snakebite and improving antivenom accessibility and affordability can help reduce fatalities.
