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Title: Study finds climate change could drive new snakebite hotspots in India
Source:The Hindu
Date:4 September 2025

Climate change is causing venomous snakes to spread into India's north and northeast, potentially increasing the risks of snakebite in regions previously unsuitable for the species. The 'Big Four' - common krait, Russell's viper, echis carinatus, and Indian cobra - are responsible for the majority of snakebite cases among humans on the Indian subcontinent. Researchers from Dibru-Saikhowa Conservation Society, Assam Agricultural University, and Pukyong National University in South Korea, projected that Haryana, Rajasthan, and Assam might see an expansion in habitat suitable for the Big Four snakes due to rising heat and humidity. This could present new challenges for public health and medical management. The study highlights that climate change is not just an environmental crisis but also a looming public health crisis, and local governments and international communities must intensify efforts to counter climate change and protect vulnerable regions from Big Four envenomation.




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