New Delhi: Climate change could soon slither its way into public health concerns, as a new study warns that rising heat and humidity may be making northern and northeastern India more suitable for venomous snakes — increasing the risk of snakebites in areas previously considered low-risk.
Researchers from the Dibru-Saikhowa Conservation Society, Assam Agricultural University, and Pukyong National University in South Korea have found that key regions like Haryana, Rajasthan, and Assam are becoming increasingly hospitable to India’s most dangerous snakes, collectively known as the “Big Four”.
The Big Four — common krait (Bungarus caeruleus), Russell’s viper (Daboia russelii), saw-scaled viper (Echis carinatus), and Indian cobra (Naja naja) — are responsible for the majority of venomous snakebite deaths across the Indian subcontinent. Together, they are blamed for thousands of fatalities each year, particularly in rural and agricultural regions.
Using habitat modelling and climate projections, the researchers found that rising temperatures and increased humidity, both driven by climate change, are altering ecosystems in ways that expand the suitable range for these deadly reptiles.
“What was once an inhospitable climate for these snakes may soon become ideal,” said a spokesperson for the research team. “This means communities in northern and northeastern India may face growing health risks from snakebites in the coming decades.”
This geographic shift in snake habitats could have serious implications for public health, rural livelihoods, and healthcare infrastructure, especially in regions that lack adequate preparedness for venomous snakebite treatment and prevention.
Experts warn that without targeted awareness campaigns, improved access to antivenom, and habitat monitoring, snakebite incidents — already a neglected tropical health crisis — could rise sharply in newly affected areas.
The findings underscore yet another way in which the climate crisis is affecting not only the environment but also public health in unpredictable and dangerous ways.
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