In the wake of World Snake Day on July 16th, 2022, recent discussions have surfaced regarding the development of antivenom capable of counteracting the venom of the Green Pit Viper. Despite not being as lethal as the Russell’s viper, the Green pit viper poses significant concerns, particularly in Northeast India. Consequently, the need for effective treatment strategies and improved reporting methods has never been so pressing.
Concerns with the Green Pit Viper
The primary concern lies in the venomous nature of the Green pit viper. Possessing hemotoxic venom, the snake has the power to prevent clotting within a victim’s blood stream, subsequently leading to internal bleeding. This issue is exacerbated by the current lack of an efficient antivenom available in India that can counter the deadly effects of the Green pit viper’s poison.
Among the 64 snake species recorded in Northeast India, 15 of them are venomous. These include the monocled cobra, the banded krait, the lesser black krait, the great black krait, the mountain pit viper, and the redneck keelback. Unfortunately, the majority of snakebite cases reported in the region involve varying species of the Green pit viper.
Further complicating matters is the apparent under-reporting or lack of standardized reporting processes for snake bites overall. According to current data, over 1.4 million cases occur annually, resulting in approximately 125,000 fatalities.
Insights into the Pit Viper Species
The term “pit viper” refers to any species within the viper subfamily (Crotalinae) that possesses two unique traits – movable fangs and heat-sensitive pit organs. Located between each eye and nostril, these pit organs allow the pit viper to accurately aim its strikes at warm-blooded prey, thus enhancing its hunting efficiency.
Pit vipers are highly adaptable creatures, inhabiting a range of environments from desert landscapes to aquatic ecosystems. They are also found in rainforests. Depending on the species, pit vipers either lay eggs or produce live young.
The venomous pit viper category includes specific species like the hump-nosed pit viper, Mangrove pit viper, and Malabar Pit Viper. Notably, two of the most venomous viper species found in India – Russell’s Viper and Saw-scaled Viper – are members of the “big four” group that comprises the country’s most poisonous and deadliest snakes. Notably, these species are responsible for the majority of snake bites in India, thereby underlining the critical need for effective antivenom treatments.
In conclusion, while World Snake Day serves as annual reminder of the diverse snake species cohabitating our planet, it also draws attention to the imperative need for ongoing research into effective antivenoms and improved reporting methodologies. The case of the Green pit viper in Northeast India exemplifies this pressing need.
References:
The Hindu.
