The snake has a unique significance in Indian culture. From the snake around Mahadev’s neck to the Sheshnag, which weighs the earth on its fangs, we have heard many stories about the snake. Tambe says, “The basic force in the body is called the Kundalini at the bottom of the spinal cord. From there, it awakens and penetrates all the chakras. As the thorns move, so does the force that go up and the force that returns in the opposite direction to the other side.
But what exactly is a snake …..? Significance of snakes in the environment.
There are about 3000 species of snakes in the world but only 305 (about 10%) species are venomous. All other snakes are non-venomous or semi-venomous. There are about 278 species of snakes in India. There are 12 types of venomous snakes. Some are so small in size that the venom does not come out even after being bitten.
Snakes are reptiles. They seem to have originated from a specific squirrel in ancient times. The walking speed of snakes (reptiles) is about 3 km to 7 km per hour. The black mamba snake in Africa can run at a speed of about 11 km per hour. .
Snakes found in Maharashtra: –
Toxic: –
1) Nagraj (King Cobra)
2) Snake
3) Manyar
4) Leisure
5) Ghonas
6) Sea snake
7) Powla
8) Chapada
Non-toxic: –
1) Python
2) Dhaman
3) Smuggler
4) Grass
5) Sand
6) Deer locust
7) Divad
8) Nanetti
A snake is a very frightening animal. If it sees danger in front of it, it prefers to run away.
For example: The snake pulls the fang. Ghonas signals danger by blowing a whistle.
The life of snakes depends on climate change. In scientific language, snakes are called ectotherms, ECTO means external and THERMA means heat. Since snakes do not consume food for energy, they can survive for many days without eating anything. The body temperature of snakes decreases due to natural temperature so snakes are found more in the sun. Snakes need less food and more water to survive. Snakes have about 70% water in their body. When they do not get water, they convert body proteins and fats into liquids. Temperatures below 8 व C and temperatures above 41 C are dangerous to snakes. A temperature of about 21 to 31 असते C is suitable for snakes. Their food depends on their size. They can swallow prey larger than the size of a mouth.
Some snakes lay eggs and some give birth to chicks. Snakes do not raise chicks and do not usually live near eggs. The only exception is the King Cobra. Normal snakes bite in 2 to 3 months. The bark is a layer of dead cells but the puppies of snakes grow fast so they bite very quickly. Snakes look white when they hear (LYMPNATIC). Their teeth are curved inwards in the mouth.
Snakes are very important in the environment. From 1910 to 1930, a large number of snakes were smuggled from India to other countries. Snake skins are widely used for making purses and waist belts. The government completely banned the export of live snakes. The export resumed in 1972. Approximately 1000 kg of hides were exported during the period 1969-1975. The decline of snakes resulted in a breakdown in the natural food chain which resulted in a huge increase in the number of rats and the spread of a disease called plague.
Eighty-eight percent of all snake bites occur in rural areas, with 80 percent occurring in September. Half of all snake bites occur on the feet and 80% are non-venomous. Most snake bites occur when a snake suddenly steps on its feet because of the sound of vibrations emanating from the snake’s ground
The serpent is a symbol of eternity and continual renewal of life.
Carl Jung – Swiss psychiatrist
