In the dense forests of Tamil Nadu, a remarkable community has turned an age-old tradition into a life-saving industry. The Irula tribe, one of India’s oldest indigenous communities, has long been known for its expertise in handling snakes. Today, this knowledge plays a crucial role in India’s healthcare system—by providing the venom needed to produce life-saving antivenom.
A Deadly Threat, A Potent Solution
Snakebites are a silent but deadly menace in India. Every year, between 81,000 and 1,38,000 people succumb to snakebite-related deaths, with many more suffering permanent disabilities. The only hope for survival lies in timely treatment with effective antivenom—a crucial medical resource extracted from snake venom.
What many people don’t know is that a major portion of India’s antivenom supply comes from the Irula Snake Catchers Industrial Cooperative Society (ISCICS), an organization run by the Irula tribe.
From Snake Hunters to Snake Conservationists
The Irulas’ deep-rooted knowledge of snakes once led them to the illegal snake-skin trade, supplying the global fashion industry with exotic leather. However, when the Indian Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 banned the trade, the community was left without a livelihood.
Their fate changed when herpetologist Romulus Whitaker stepped in. In 1978, he helped establish the Irula Snake Catchers Industrial Cooperative Society (ISCICS), allowing the tribe to legally catch snakes for venom extraction. This not only provided sustainable employment but also contributed to vital medical research and conservation efforts.
The Venom Extraction Process: A Delicate Art
Snake venom extraction, or “milking,” is a highly skilled and controlled process that the Irula tribe has mastered over generations.
How It Works:
- Tracking the Snakes – The Irulas locate four highly venomous species:
- Indian Cobra (Naja naja)
- Common Krait (Bungarus caeruleus)
- Russell’s Viper (Daboia russelii)
- Saw-scaled Viper (Echis carinatus)
- Safe Housing – The captured snakes are placed in clay pots half-filled with sand, with the mouth of the pot sealed using a breathable cloth. Each pot accommodates two snakes, ensuring their well-being before venom extraction.
- Venom Milking – Trained handlers gently encourage the snake to bite onto a glass container covered with a thin membrane. As the snake strikes, venom drips from its fangs, which is then carefully collected for processing.
- Sustainable Catch-and-Release – The cooperative holds around 800 snakes at a time. Each snake is milked four times over 21 days before being marked and released back into the wild, preventing over-extraction from the same individual.
In the past few decades, the Irulas have safely captured and released over 100,000 snakes, contributing significantly to snake conservation efforts.
A Model for Sustainable Livelihoods
The Irula Snake Catchers Industrial Cooperative Society has not only provided a reliable source of income for the Irula community but has also helped bridge the gap between indigenous knowledge and modern science.
Their expertise has saved countless lives by ensuring the steady supply of venom for antivenom production. Additionally, their work contributes to conservation efforts, preventing indiscriminate killing of snakes and promoting ecological balance.
As the world recognizes the value of traditional knowledge in scientific advancements, the Irula tribe stands as a shining example of sustainable coexistence with nature—where an age-old skill has been transformed into a thriving, ethical, and life-saving enterprise.