Working with Telangana and AP Forest Departments, India in the field of snake conservation.
Friends of Snakes Society (FOS) is a non-governmental organization based in Hyderabad, Telangana, India, dedicated to the conservation of snakes and reptiles. Founded in 1995, the organization has grown into a leading authority on snake protection, rescue, and public education. With over 150 dedicated volunteers, FOS works in collaboration with the Telangana Forest Department, local communities, and wildlife organizations to promote snake conservation and mitigate human-snake conflicts.
Founded by Late Shri Rajkumar Kanuri, FOS has been recognized by the Telangana Forest Department as the lead agency for snake and reptile conservation. The society is also a member of the Telangana State Board for Wildlife, where it contributes technical expertise and advises on conservation policies. Over the years, FOS has become a global leader in snake rescues, reporting the highest number of snake rescues by any organization worldwide.
Mission and Objectives
FOS aims to:
Conserve and protect snakes and their habitats.
Promote scientific research and data-driven conservation.
Conduct public education and awareness programs to prevent snakebite-related injuries and fatalities while promoting snake conservation.
Support anti-poaching initiatives and wildlife law enforcement.
Activities and Programs
Rescue and Relocation
FOS operates a 24/7 helpline and IVR system, receiving over 300 calls daily regarding snakes in human habitats. Snakes are safely rescued and relocated to suitable natural habitats, minimizing human-wildlife conflict. The organization maintains a perfect safety record in all rescues.
In 2024, FOS rescued 13,028 snakes across Telangana, a significant increase from 3,389 rescues in 2015. This growth reflects both the organization's expanding capacity and the growing public awareness of the importance of snake conservation.
Awareness and Education Programs
FOS conducts approximately 300 awareness programs annually, reaching over 500,000 individuals directly. These programs are held in schools, colleges, community centers, and public institutions, aiming to educate the public about the ecological role of snakes, dispel myths, and provide information on snakebite prevention and first aid.
Research and Conservation Initiatives
FOS has contributed to several research studies in snake ecology, distribution, taxonomy, and phylogeny. Some key areas of focus include:
Occurrence and range expansion of species such as King Cobra and Yellow-spotted Wolf Snake.
Decadal trends of snake rescues in Hyderabad and Telangana.
Annotated checklists of snakes in Telangana with notes on natural history.
Citizen science approaches to snake ecology and snakebite mitigation.
Conservation studies on endemic species like Lycodon flavicollis and Elachistodon westermanni.
These studies provide a scientific foundation for FOS’s conservation, habitat management, and rescue initiatives.
Habitat Conservation Surveys
FOS regularly conducts habitat surveys to assess snake populations and critical habitats:
Faunal enumerations and Environmental Impact Assessments in collaboration with CEFRNARM and Telangana Forest Department.
Mapping species distribution and movement patterns.
Documenting human-snake conflict zones to inform mitigation strategies.
Developing habitat management recommendations to support conservation and species protection.
Scientific Advisory and Policy Contribution
As a member of the Telangana State Board for Wildlife, FOS provides:
Technical expertise and policy advice on snake and habitat conservation initiatives.
Scientific guidance for captive management at Nehru Zoological Park, including designing enriched enclosures for the snake block (2020).
Standard operating procedures for human-snake conflict mitigation.
Evidence-based recommendations for state-level conservation policies.
Anti-Poaching and Wildlife Protection
FOS actively coordinates with the Forest Department to combat illegal wildlife activities:
Intelligence gathering to prevent wildlife trafficking.
Community engagement leading to seizures of several illegally kept snakes, including pythons.
Reduction of snake charming activities in Telangana by 90%.
Support for enforcement of the Wildlife Protection Act.
Volunteer Network
FOS relies on a network of 150+ trained volunteers, who participate in rescues, awareness campaigns, research surveys, and anti-poaching operations. Volunteers are trained in advanced snake handling techniques and emergency response, ensuring public safety and ethical conservation practices.
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