Publish: 16:56, 25 Jun, 2024

Russell's Viper: Myths, Facts, and Everything You Need to Know

Online Desk
Russell's Viper: Myths, Facts, and Everything You Need to Know
সংগৃহীত ছবি

The recent sightings of Russell's vipers in rural areas and urban outskirts of Bangladesh have led to increased fear among the public. Widespread rumours have further led to misinformation, misguiding people and causing panic. To address this, it is crucial to evaluate facts about the snake, ensuring communities are better prepared to handle abrupt encounters. Let's go over facts, myths, and the origin of Russell's viper. Source: UNB.

Introducing Russell's Viper

This venomous snake, known scientifically as ‘Daboia russelii’, belongs to the family Viperidae. The species was named in honor of Patrick Russell, a Scottish herpetologist renowned for his pioneering descriptions of many snakes native to India. The genus name, ‘Daboia’, is derived from a Hindi word meaning ‘that lies hid’ or ‘the lurker’.

However, recent studies have reclassified these South Asian snakes as a separate species, ‘Daboia siamensis’. The type locality is specifically listed as Coromandel Coast, India, as inferred by Russell in 1796. This southeastern coastal region of the Indian subcontinent borders the Bay of Bengal, where Bangladesh is also located. In Bangladesh, the snake is known as ‘Chandrabora’.

Originally, this viper was primarily found in the Barendra region of Bangladesh. However, its range has expanded significantly to include areas along the banks of the Padma, Meghna, and Jamuna rivers. The spread of this snake has caused widespread panic in numerous regions, including Barishal, Patuakhali, Manikganj, Faridpur, Shariatpur, Chandpur, and even villages on the outskirts of Dhaka. Presently, this venomous reptile is reported in at least 25 districts across Bangladesh.

Russell's Viper: Myth vs. Reality

False information regarding this viper has been spreading across social media platforms, causing extensive public panic in Bangladesh. These misleading posts have generated significant misconceptions about the snake and its prevalence. However, the facts differ greatly from these rumors. Let's explore the most popular myths and the truths behind them.

Native or Non-native to Bangladesh?

Contrary to popular belief, Russell’s viper is native to Bangladesh as well as other countries in Southeast Asia. It was initially described in 1797 by English naturalist George Shaw and illustrator Frederick Polydore Nodder.

According to the article ‘Russell's Viper (Daboia russelii) in Bangladesh: Its Boom and Threat to Human Life’, of the Asiatic Society of Bangladesh Science in 2018, two species of these snakes exist globally. Daboia Russelii is found in India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and Bangladesh, whereas Daboia siamensis inhabits China, Thailand, Myanmar, Indonesia, Cambodia, and Taiwan.

The species was classified as 'critically endangered' in 2000 and remained 'near-threatened' at least until 2015 in Bangladesh by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Chasing People to Bite?

In 2021, Mongabay published a research paper titled ‘Tracking Russell's viper in rural Karnataka unravels their behavior’, authored by organismal biologist Xavier Glaudas. Throughout his study, Glaudas had numerous close encounters with these vipers, yet remarkably, he was never bitten. He attributed this to the snake's tendency to remain concealed within vegetation. These vipers typically exhibit immobility when approached, occasionally retreating deeper into foliage or retracting their heads for camouflage.

Glaudas emphasized that unprovoked attacks are rare and defined aggressive behavior as defensive biting when startled by human presence. These snakes primarily inhabit grassy lowlands, scrub forests, open woodlands, and agricultural areas, actively avoiding human settlements. Their diet includes rodents, crabs, frogs, lizards, and birds, with no inclination towards human prey.

Contrary to folklore and sensationalized tales, these snakes do not chase humans but are often depicted as aggressive in regional myths and cinema. In reality, they are hesitant to bite, tolerating close proximity and even accidental contact. When sensing danger, they freeze or emit warning hisses as a deterrent. Instances of bites typically occur when individuals inadvertently step on the snake, triggering a defensive reaction.

No Antidote for its Venom?

Fortunately, this is not entirely true as post-venom treatment options are available in Bangladesh. The antivenom is readily available free of charge at all government hospitals across Bangladesh. According to the Venom Research Centre at Chittagong Medical College, these antivenoms are nearly 100 percent effective against the venom. Swift administration of treatment upon being bitten ensures a positive outcome, with fatalities primarily occurring among those who delay seeking medical help.

The government of Bangladesh is taking necessary measures to enhance antivenom distribution, focusing on high-risk regions and ensuring accessibility even in remote areas.

It’s Breath Causes Leprosy?

Similar to other snakes, these vipers produce a hissing sound by exhaling air through their mouth and nose, typically as a warning signal meaning "back off!" This behavior is common among snakes when they feel threatened, angry, or annoyed.

During this hissing display, they often raise about one-third of their front body, signaling a defensive posture. Such bodily raising is a common defensive behavior among snakes, but these vipers are notable for their ability to elevate most of their body off the ground compared to other species.

However, these defensive gestures and sounds do not inflict physical harm on their intended targets beyond intimidation. While their venom is potent and potentially fatal, its effects occur only after a bite, not from mere defensive displays.

Touching It Results in Flesh Rot?

This is also a misconception that lacks scientific basis. Venom is never present on the surface of a snake's body; it is only released when the fangs penetrate a victim's skin during a bite. Even accidentally stepping on a snake with its mouth closed poses no risk of envenomation.

Bottom Line

It is high time to create mass awareness among the general public about the myths surrounding Russell's viper. Panic and a lack of knowledge are the main culprits behind these myths, which have exacerbated the situation even more. Adding to this is the delay in getting immediate treatment after a snakebite, often leading to death. In such emergencies, prompt treatment significantly enhances the likelihood of recovery. Overall, developing a fact-checking attitude without being superstitious is paramount to dealing with any stressful situation.

Bd pratidin English/Lutful Hoque

More News
The Polish artist who painted Hindu gods in Indian palaces
The Polish artist who painted Hindu gods in Indian palaces
Choosing to be child-free in an ‘apocalyptic’ South Asia
Choosing to be child-free in an ‘apocalyptic’ South Asia
Christopher Columbus’s DNA to shed light on his origins
Christopher Columbus’s DNA to shed light on his origins
Bangladesh’s devoted idol makers
Bangladesh’s devoted idol makers
Delicious Durga Puja recipes: Sweet and savory treats for Bangladeshi kitchens
Delicious Durga Puja recipes: Sweet and savory treats for Bangladeshi kitchens
How Nahid Islam Became a Face of Bangladesh's Revolution
How Nahid Islam Became a Face of Bangladesh's Revolution
Fast fashion drove Bangladesh - now its troubled economy needs more
Fast fashion drove Bangladesh - now its troubled economy needs more
What will Bangladesh's post-Hasina era look like?
What will Bangladesh's post-Hasina era look like?
Gonotraan: How TSC became a beacon of hope for flood victims
Gonotraan: How TSC became a beacon of hope for flood victims
World's rarest whale washes up on New Zealand beach
World's rarest whale washes up on New Zealand beach
Pentagon ran secret anti-vax campaign to undermine China during pandemic
Pentagon ran secret anti-vax campaign to undermine China during pandemic
Aquaculture production overtakes capture fisheries for first time
Aquaculture production overtakes capture fisheries for first time
Latest News
Travel ban imposed on former MP Bahar and family members
Travel ban imposed on former MP Bahar and family members

1 minute ago | National

Unidentified youth dies in Savar road accident
Unidentified youth dies in Savar road accident

3 minutes ago | City

Elected representatives will reform the country: Hafiz Uddin
Elected representatives will reform the country: Hafiz Uddin

8 minutes ago | National

Judge to decide if Trump’s hush money conviction is affected by president-elect immunity claim
Judge to decide if Trump’s hush money conviction is affected by president-elect immunity claim

10 minutes ago | International

Prayers will be held for three consecutive Fridays for those wounded in the mass uprising
Prayers will be held for three consecutive Fridays for those wounded in the mass uprising

16 minutes ago | National

Starmer set to discuss issues related to Trump, Ukraine with Macron
Starmer set to discuss issues related to Trump, Ukraine with Macron

22 minutes ago | International

COP29 must show global climate cooperation 'not down for the count': UN climate chief
COP29 must show global climate cooperation 'not down for the count': UN climate chief

41 minutes ago | International

Haiti's Prime Minister removed after just six months in office
Haiti's Prime Minister removed after just six months in office

44 minutes ago | International

RMG workers leave Dhaka-Mymensingh highway after 3 days
RMG workers leave Dhaka-Mymensingh highway after 3 days

50 minutes ago | National

Bangladesh elected to bat first in series-deciding match
Bangladesh elected to bat first in series-deciding match

1 hour ago | Sports

We want to leave a footprint: Finance Adviser
We want to leave a footprint: Finance Adviser

1 hour ago | National

Shanto ruled out of West Indies Tests due to injury
Shanto ruled out of West Indies Tests due to injury

1 hour ago | Sports

Goldman Sachs warns Trump's tariff threat could impact multiple Asian countries, not just China
Goldman Sachs warns Trump's tariff threat could impact multiple Asian countries, not just China

1 hour ago | International

Largest US command post in Syria comes under rocket attack
Largest US command post in Syria comes under rocket attack

1 hour ago | International

I lost nine teeth filming Squid Game: Director
I lost nine teeth filming Squid Game: Director

1 hour ago | Showbiz

National Dengue Control Strategy on cards
National Dengue Control Strategy on cards

1 hour ago | National

Israel claims to have intercepted Yemen-launched projectile, debris sparks gunfire
Israel claims to have intercepted Yemen-launched projectile, debris sparks gunfire

2 hours ago | International

All city buses to operate under Dhaka Nagar Paribahan
All city buses to operate under Dhaka Nagar Paribahan

2 hours ago | City

Japanese PM Shigeru Ishiba re-elected
Japanese PM Shigeru Ishiba re-elected

2 hours ago | International

UN climate talks to focus on money to help poor nations cut carbon pollution
UN climate talks to focus on money to help poor nations cut carbon pollution

2 hours ago | International

Govt published list of 1000 endangered plants to ensure conservation: Adviser
Govt published list of 1000 endangered plants to ensure conservation: Adviser

2 hours ago | National

New commerce adviser vows to simplify people’s livelihood
New commerce adviser vows to simplify people’s livelihood

2 hours ago | National

Israeli strike kills 3 people in central Gaza
Israeli strike kills 3 people in central Gaza

2 hours ago | International

Arrests were of AL activists, nothing to do with Trump: CA Press Wing
Arrests were of AL activists, nothing to do with Trump: CA Press Wing

2 hours ago | National

Ways to stay fit during winter
Ways to stay fit during winter

2 hours ago | Lifestyle

Lebanese children struggle with wounds both physical, emotional
Lebanese children struggle with wounds both physical, emotional

2 hours ago | International

Locals vow to stop using plastics in Char Biswas union
Locals vow to stop using plastics in Char Biswas union

3 hours ago | Shuvosangho

Anirban to star in Parambrata's ‘Bhog’
Anirban to star in Parambrata's ‘Bhog’

3 hours ago | Showbiz

14 arrested in anti-narcotics operation across capital
14 arrested in anti-narcotics operation across capital

3 hours ago | City

Poverty won’t stop Sohan’s higher education dream
Poverty won’t stop Sohan’s higher education dream

3 hours ago | Shuvosangho

Most Read
CA opens ‘Probashi Lounge’ for migrants at HSIA
CA opens ‘Probashi Lounge’ for migrants at HSIA

5 hours ago | City

A new arrival at the wild elephant's habitat
A new arrival at the wild elephant's habitat

4 hours ago | City

Govt to request Interpol red notice to bring back Sheikh Hasina
Govt to request Interpol red notice to bring back Sheikh Hasina

23 hours ago | National

Three more advisers take oath
Three more advisers take oath

21 hours ago | National

Russia destroyed, intercepted 96 Ukrainian drones: Ministry
Russia destroyed, intercepted 96 Ukrainian drones: Ministry

3 hours ago | International

NASA begins hand-off to commercial satellites
NASA begins hand-off to commercial satellites

23 hours ago | Tech

Bangladesh to take time to decide on LDC graduation: Adviser
Bangladesh to take time to decide on LDC graduation: Adviser

23 hours ago | National

Israel urges fans to avoid France-Israel match
Israel urges fans to avoid France-Israel match

6 hours ago | Sports

DB Harun’s associates appear relaxed
DB Harun’s associates appear relaxed

5 hours ago | Special

Iran faces looming population crisis, official warns
Iran faces looming population crisis, official warns

23 hours ago | International

No more torture cell to be created in educational institutions: JCD DU
No more torture cell to be created in educational institutions: JCD DU

22 hours ago | National

DCCI urges Argentine joint ventures in BD’s pharmaceuticals
DCCI urges Argentine joint ventures in BD’s pharmaceuticals

21 hours ago | Economy

Bangladesh's October exports grow 20.6%
Bangladesh's October exports grow 20.6%

8 hours ago | Economy

Bangladesh raises concerns to Myanmar over gunfire targeting fishermen
Bangladesh raises concerns to Myanmar over gunfire targeting fishermen

20 hours ago | National

Libya keen to hire more Bangladeshi workers
Libya keen to hire more Bangladeshi workers

23 hours ago | Economy

Over 10 lakh taxpayers complete registration for online tax payment: NBR
Over 10 lakh taxpayers complete registration for online tax payment: NBR

21 hours ago | Economy

Architects create marble-like building material from old cars
Architects create marble-like building material from old cars

20 hours ago | Tech

Bangladesh Bank restructures board
Bangladesh Bank restructures board

20 hours ago | Economy

BAJUS protest: Lakshmipur gold trader murder
BAJUS protest: Lakshmipur gold trader murder

8 hours ago | City

Chief Adviser off to Baku to join COP-29
Chief Adviser off to Baku to join COP-29

5 hours ago | National

Top Iranian, Saudi generals meet in Tehran
Top Iranian, Saudi generals meet in Tehran

20 hours ago | International

Tk 19,000 crore embezzled in ICT sector
Tk 19,000 crore embezzled in ICT sector

3 hours ago | Special

India won’t travel to Pakistan for Champions Trophy: PCB
India won’t travel to Pakistan for Champions Trophy: PCB

19 hours ago | Sports

We came from streets, not drawing room: CCC Mayor
We came from streets, not drawing room: CCC Mayor

19 hours ago | National

Three advisers to take oath this evening
Three advisers to take oath this evening

21 hours ago | National

Interim govt's legitimacy derives from mass uprising: Asif Mahmud
Interim govt's legitimacy derives from mass uprising: Asif Mahmud

19 hours ago | National

Khaleda Zia's 10-year sentence suspended
Khaleda Zia's 10-year sentence suspended

7 hours ago | National

Expats send $655m remittances in 9 days of November
Expats send $655m remittances in 9 days of November

22 hours ago | Economy

5 die of Dengue in 24 hrs
5 die of Dengue in 24 hrs

20 hours ago | National

BNP lifts suspension on Shama, Babul's posts
BNP lifts suspension on Shama, Babul's posts

18 hours ago | National