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The Irula tribe excels in snake handling and venom extraction, vital for anti-venom drugs. Their co-op, founded in 1978, supports their sustainable livelihood.
Irula tribe excels in snake handling and venom extraction.
A remarkable tribe has turned a dangerous craft into a life-saving mission in southern parts of the country. The Irula tribe, spread across Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, has mastered the ancient art of snake handling and venom extraction – a skill passed down through generations. Their work is not only risky but also essential for producing anti-venom, which saves countless lives every year from deadly snake bites.
For most people, the sight of a snake is enough to trigger panic and fear. But for the Irula tribe, snakes are not creatures to be feared – they are a source of livelihood and a vital part of their heritage. While 70% of snakes are non-venomous, the remaining 30% include some of the deadliest species in the world. A single bite from a venomous snake can lead to paralysis, organ failure, and death within hours.
Yet, the Irula tribe handles these deadly reptiles with astonishing ease. Men, women, and even children are trained from a young age to identify, catch, and extract venom from snakes with bare hands. This expertise makes them one of the most sought-after snake-catching communities in the world.
The Irula tribe’s work is crucial for the production of anti-venom. They specialise in extracting venom from four of the most dangerous snake species in India:
- King Cobra
- Krait
- Russell’s Viper
- Indian Saw-Scaled Viper
These snakes produce venom so potent that a single drop can kill a human. The venom is collected by carefully holding the snake by the neck, opening its mouth, and allowing it to bite into a jar. Under pressure, the snake’s fangs release venom, which drips into the container.
The collected venom is then sold to pharmaceutical companies, where it is processed to create anti-venom injections. These life-saving treatments are essential in India, where snake bites cause an estimated 50,000 deaths each year.
Irula Snake Catchers Industrial Co-operative Society
The Irula tribe’s organised involvement in venom extraction began in 1978 with the establishment of the Irula Snake Catchers Industrial Co-operative Society. Founded by American herpetologist Romulus Whitaker, the society gave the Irula tribe legal protection and a sustainable source of income after the government banned snake hunting under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.
Before this, the Irula tribe had made a living by hunting and selling snakes, often to the British colonialists, who prized snake skin for luxury goods. The ban initially left the tribe without a livelihood, until Whitaker recognised their expertise and helped them transition from snake hunters to snake saviours.
Today, the society has over 100 members and holds a government licence to catch and extract venom from up to 13,000 snakes annually. The venom trade generates an estimated Rs 25 crore (approximately $3 million) each year for the community.
Strict Guidelines and Ethical Practices
Snake venom extraction in India is tightly regulated. The Irula tribe is allowed to collect venom only from the four approved snake species. Each snake is kept in a clay pot covered with a cotton cloth for up to 21 days. During this period, venom is extracted up to four times before the snake is released back into the wild.
The extraction process is carefully monitored to ensure the snakes are not harmed. After their venom is collected, the snakes are released into their natural habitat, ensuring a balanced ecosystem and sustainable practices.
