Five Reptiles Rescued in 72 Hours Across Navi Mumbai
In a swift response, wildlife rescuers saved four snakes and a monitor lizard in Navi Mumbai and Mumbai over the past three days.
Four snakes and one monitor lizard rescued in 72 hours.
Destruction of greenery is driving reptiles into urban areas.
Citizens are urged to report wild animal sightings instead of handling them.
In a remarkable effort, wildlife rescuers have successfully saved five reptiles, including four snakes and a monitor lizard, from various locations in Navi Mumbai and Mumbai within the last 72 hours. The rescues were coordinated by the Plant and Animals Welfare Society (PAWS-MUMBAI), highlighting the growing concern over urban encroachment affecting local wildlife.
The rescued reptiles included a five-foot-long Indian spectacled cobra found near the Airoli toll naka and three Indian rock pythons retrieved from Powai, Gandhinagar, and Vikhroli (east) in suburban Mumbai. The joint wildlife rescue team, comprising members from the International Organisation for Animal Protection (OIPA), Amma Care Foundation (ACF), and PAWS-Mumbai, played a crucial role in these operations, ensuring the safe relocation of these creatures back to their natural habitats.
One of the notable rescues involved the venomous cobra, which was retrieved from a busy highway near Airoli. Abhijit Chavan, a volunteer rescuer, acted swiftly following a distress call from citizen Sunny Sangati. Nisha Kunju from PAWS-MUMBAI emphasized the importance of timely reporting by the public, stating that such actions significantly aid in the safe rescue of wildlife.
Among the three Indian rock pythons rescued, the largest measured eight feet and was found inside a Labour Camp at the IIT-Bombay Powai campus. Additionally, a monitor lizard, approximately 2.5 feet long, was rescued from a tree in the backyard of Bungalow No 4 at Powai Vihar, following a call from resident Moushmi Krishnan. Sunish Subramanian, an honorary wildlife warden, was present during the release of these reptiles, underscoring the collaborative effort in wildlife conservation.
The recent rescues serve as a reminder of the impact of urban development on local wildlife. Citizens are encouraged to report any sightings of wild animals to the Forest Department or trained wildlife rescue teams rather than attempting to handle them. For assistance, individuals can contact Helpline 1926 or the ACF PAWS-Mumbai Helpline at 98334 80388, ensuring a safer environment for both humans and wildlife.
