The Bombay natural history society is hoping you will sign up for a unique workshop on serpents, that's more likely to leave you smarter than spooked out

Pic/ Sameer Markande

For those of you who are brave enough to be fascinated by a subject that gives the rest of us the jeepers, sign up for a day-long snake workshop that's being organised by the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS).
Famous herpetologist and snake taxonomist (taxonomy is the science of classification) Ashok Captain will lead you through a variety of species, while providing information on how to identify each. "This information is usually restricted to scientists and researchers," says Varad Giri, a curator with BNHS.

"It's an opportunity to break that barrier and provide an indepth knowledge about snakes to those who want to get closer to them."

So, what makes the spectacled cobra different from the monocled one? Or what will you do if you bump into a rat snake? Turns out, our country has about 276 species of snakes, and at BNHS, you can come eye-to-eye with as many as 3,000 preserved specimens. "If you want to identify a species, you need to look at the pattern on its scales -- how many scales it has, and how they are arranged," says the curator.

The workshop, however, does not include or promote any knowledge on handling live snakes. "There are some people who treat snakes like playmates, and keep them trapped in their homes," says Giri. "It's good to rid yourself of the fear of snakes, but you need to respect them too."

The workshop will include hands-on training, discussions, project activity and feedback. Plus, you get to take home a certificate as a souvenir. Seats are limited to just 20, and fast filling up. Hopefully, the next time you spot a glossy serpent with brown scales and bright yellow spots, you won't hyperventilate. You'll check out its scales, and declare -- "It's just a reticent Mandarin Rat Snake."

On December 25, 9.30 am to 5.30 pm At Hornbill House, SBS Road, opposite Lion Gate, Fort. Call 22821811. Fees Rs 1,000 per person (includes course fee, related printed material, lunch and tea)

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