GUWAHATI: A new international study warns that climate change will dramatically alter snakebite risk in India over the next five decades, pushing venomous snakes into new regions and increasing the threat to human lives.
The research, published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, predicts that the habitats of India’s “Big Four” venomous snakes—the common krait, Russell’s viper, spectacled cobra, and saw-scaled viper—will shift northward and eastward by 2080. These four species are responsible for the majority of India’s estimated 50,000 annual snakebite deaths, according to the WHO.
The study, a collaboration between institutions in India and South Korea, used species distribution models to map the current and future habitats of the “Big Four.” They then combined these projections with socioeconomic and healthcare data to create a district-level risk index.
Key findings show:
- Current Hotspots: South Indian states like Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu remain high-risk areas. Gujarat districts also rank high.
- Future Hotspots: States in the Northeast, including Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, and Nagaland, are projected to see a sharp increase in snakebite risk. Rajasthan is also on the list.
- Climatic Factor: Temperature fluctuation is the single most important factor influencing snake distribution.
- Healthcare’s Role: The risk index highlights the critical role of healthcare access. Tamil Nadu, despite numerous bites, has a lower overall risk due to better healthcare infrastructure. In contrast, Arunachal Pradesh’s East Kameng district is a high-risk zone for the Russell’s viper due to poor medical facilities.
The authors stress the need for region-specific antivenoms, strengthened rural healthcare, and continuous public awareness campaigns. “This is the first study to combine ecological, climatic, and healthcare data to map snakebite hotspots in India,” the authors note. “Identifying priority states and districts today will be critical to saving lives tomorrow.”
According to lead author Imon Abedin, “The ‘Big Four’ snakes help control rodent populations and support healthy food chains. Their shifting habitats due to climate change not only affects these snakes but also poses challenges for humans. It’s important to recognize the need for their conservation while addressing safety concerns.”
Corresponding author Shantanu Kundu added, “As snakes move into regions where they were not previously found, the risk of snakebites may increase—particularly in communities unfamiliar with them. Timely and effective treatment is essential, which can be greatly improved through better healthcare access and public awareness.” He also emphasized the importance of not killing snakes unnecessarily and getting bite victims to a hospital as quickly as possible.
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