Rescue calls to Wildlife SOS’s Rapid Response Unit surged throughout the month of July, mirroring the steady downpour in North India. Of these, calls concerning reptiles were frequent in urban locales amidst the relentless monsoon rains. Dedicated efforts and expertise led to successful rescues of a total of 617 animals from across Vadodara, Agra, Delhi-NCR, and Jammu & Kashmir.
Vadodara, Gujarat
The Vadodara rescue unit saved a large number of reptiles during July. Heavy rains that reached up to 8 inches impacted the city and its urban animals, of which reptiles had to move out of their flooded homes and seek refuge within residential compounds. Out of the 132 reptile rescues, a staggering 115 were of snakes alone. Additionally, 3 crocodiles, 10 monitor lizards and 4 turtles were rescued.
In one notable rescue, a 6-foot-long Indian rock python was discovered in the compound area of a housing society in Bill Village. Residents promptly alerted the Wildlife SOS emergency rescue helpline, and the team then safely extricated the python from the site.
In a separate incident, a 4-foot-long mugger crocodile was found in the reception area of a residential building along National Highway (NH) 8. Both reptiles were successfully rescued and transferred to the forest department, from where it was successfully released back into the natural habitat.
The rescue efforts extended beyond reptiles, with as many as 102 birds saved in July. Incessant rains and strong winds in Vadodara led to dire situations for avians that were brought into the rescue centre after suffering sudden falls from trees or nesting disruptions. Rescue operations conducted during this month also tended to 12 mammals that included monkeys, cats and squirrels.
Agra, Uttar Pradesh
Reptile rescue calls rose at the Wildlife SOS Rapid Response Unit in Agra as well, keeping the rescue team on their toes. Out of the total 120 reptiles that were attended to in the month of July, rat snakes (Ptyas mucosa) topped the list with 38 cases.
In an unusual event, the Wildlife SOS Rapid Response Unit found themselves in the lavatory of Agra’s Lal Quila! Rescue services were alerted when a staff member at the fort discovered a snake coiled on the toilet seat. A two-member rescue team from Wildlife SOS swiftly reached the location, expertly ensuring the safe and harmless retrieval of the 6-foot-long Indian rat snake. After a health assessment, the rat snake was deemed fit and was subsequently released back into the wild.
Other reptile species rescued included 1 checkered keelback, 1 Indian rock python, 25 spectacled cobras, 20 monitor lizards, and 1 crocodile. In addition to these, 32 birds and 28 mammals were provided attention by the Agra rescue team.
Delhi-NCR
The Delhi rescue helpline attended to a total of 48 reptile rescues during the month of July with 41 exclusively of snakes. Some notable species included spectacled or Indian cobra, read-headed royal snake, Indian rock python, and rat snake. The monsoon season drives snakes to seek dry and safe shelters, often leading them to residential areas. Additionally, bird rescues reached a high number of 98, and 19 mammals were tended to by the Wildlife SOS team.
Early one morning, a family was alarmed to discover an Indian cobra inside their almirah. The Wildlife SOS Rapid Response Unit was called when the 3-foot-long reptile remained in the premises despite giving it ample time to leave on its own. In another case, a 7-foot-long Indian rat snake was found entangled in a practice net at a cricket field in Raj Nagar Extension, Ghaziabad, to which the team carefully dealt with. The rescue unit was also contacted when a 3-foot-long Indian rat snake had sought refuge at the Prime Minister’s residence. Wildlife SOS promptly dispatched a three-member team that successfully rescued the reptile. All the rescued snakes were released back into a suitable habitat after a thorough medical examination.
A late night call from the Delhi Forest Department propelled the Wildlife SOS Rapid Response Unit into action with bird care experts. A bird smuggling outfit in the Jama Masjid areas of Old Delhi was raided, from where over 700 birds crammed in tiny wire cages were retrieved. The raid led to the rescue of rose-ringed parakeets, alexandrine parakeets, plum-headed parakeets, black-headed munias and scaly-breasted munias. After a thorough rehabilitation effort that included medical treatment and proper nutrition, the birds were released into a suitable habitat, marking a successful conclusion to a crucial rescue operation.
Jammu & Kashmir
In Jammu & Kashmir, Wildlife SOS rescued 4 different snake species that included 17 rat snakes, 3 Himalayan trinkets, a snakelet of the Eastern cliff racer and 2 levantine vipers. In addition to the diverse snake rescues, 3 black kites were rescued.
One afternoon, the Rapid Response Unit in Jammu & Kashmir was alerted after a family in Harwan spotted a Himalayan trinket in their kitchen sink. Himalayan trinkets are commonly found in this area located at the foothills of Dachigam, thus amounting to many rescues from the human-settlements. The well-equipped team swiftly made its way to the location and carefully handled the snake. After a medical checkup, the serpent was released into a suitable habitat.
Another interesting rescue involved extricating an Indian rat snake from a cabinet of a tuck shop cart in Awantipora. Concerned for the safety of the animal as well as the public, the rescue unit quickly reached the location after a call from the owner of the truck. The snake was safely removed from the area and released into a suitable habitat.
The following Wildlife SOS rescue helplines work round-the-clock, so if you ever spot distressed wild animals and are located in these regions, reach out to our team or contact the nearest forest department:
Delhi-NCR: +91-9871963535
Agra, Uttar Pradesh: +91-9917109666
Vadodara, Gujarat: +91-9825011117
Jammu & Kashmir: +91-7006692300, +91-941977828
