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We often hear various things about snakes, but have you ever wondered how long a snake can live? Or how their age is determined? While most of us are aware of the average human lifespan, the age of snakes remains a mystery to many. A snake expert from Madhya Pradesh has now shared some interesting insights into this lesser-known subject, including which species lives the longest and how to estimate their age. (News18 Hindi)
Mahadev, a resident of Mandleshwar in Khargone district, has been rescuing and studying snakes for the past nine years. In a conversation with Local 18, he explained that India is home to over 270 species of snakes. Some of these, such as garden snakes, are commonly found in residential areas, while others live deep in forests or are so rare that sightings are few and far between. (News18 Hindi)
According to Mahadev, different species of snakes have different lifespans, often influenced by their environment. In Madhya Pradesh alone, including Khargone, around 40 species of snakes are found. However, only a few of them frequently come into contact with people. (News18 Hindi)
The average lifespan of a snake generally ranges between 5 and 15 years. However, snakes belonging to the python family can live up to 40 years. Mahadev noted that snakes dwelling in grassy or residential areas, where human activity is high, tend to have shorter lives, often between 8 and 10 years. (News18 Hindi)
In contrast, more dangerous and less frequently seen species such as the Common Krait, Cobra, Russell’s Viper, and Saw-scaled Viper tend to live much longer. These snakes can often survive for over 15 years, with the python topping the list as one of the longest-living snake species. (News18 Hindi)
Pythons are non-venomous but incredibly powerful. Although they lack venom, their grip is so strong that it can instantly kill a person. With proper conditions, pythons can live anywhere from 25 to 40 years, making them among the longest-living snakes on the planet. (News18 Hindi)
As for determining a snake’s age, Mahadev clarified that it isn’t easy to assess this just by looking. However, experts can make an approximate guess based on the snake’s size, the condition of its skin, and its overall shine. Yet, even this becomes difficult after a certain point. (News18 Hindi)
This is because, much like humans, a snake’s growth slows down over time. Eventually, its length stops increasing altogether. However, unlike humans, snakes continue to shed their skin throughout their lives, offering one of the few observable clues about their age. (News18 Hindi)
