In a remarkable twist of events, a four-foot-long Indian rock python found itself in an improbable situation as it made its way up to the 13th floor terrace of a tower in Mumbai’s bustling Ghatkopar(west) neighborhood. The astonishing sight left local residents both puzzled and concerned, wondering how the snake would achieve such heights.
To answer this, pythons, in general, are excellent climbers, capable of ascending trees and other elevated surfaces with relative ease. Their strong muscles and specialized scales, along with the ability to coil around objects, allow them to navigate through terrains, including trees.
Residents and animal lovers swiftly united to ensure the safety of the python. The news about the python perched on the terrace caught the attention of Sooraj Saha, an animal activist who holds a position at an IT firm in Mumbai. Saha and his team reached the viraj paradise on the LSB road, Ghatkopar(west).
Upon learning of the reptile’s predicament when they found the python drenched in wet cement due to the ongoing construction work, he was compelled to take action and immediately assembled his team to respond to the situation, contacting the state forest department to seek their expertise and intervention to rescue the gigantic creature.
Responding promptly to the distress call, a team led by Mumbai range forest officer Rakesh Bhoir swiftly arrived at the scene to assess the situation and ensure the safety retrieval of the Python. Given, the Indian rock python is a protected species, the urgency of its retrieval was evident. Fortunately, those who discovered the Python on the terrace displayed great responsibility and refrained from harming it. This reflects the increasing wildlife awareness and the empathy among them.
Sooraj Saha, applauded and commended this responsible behavior. He stressed the importance of understanding that harming and killing snakes or any wildlife for that matter, is illegal and detrimental to the ecosystem. Saha further emphasized on the significance of protecting and preserving these giants to maintain ecological balance and harmonious coexistence with the wildlife. The successful rescue of the python was the testament of the collaborative efforts of concerned citizens, animal lovers, and the dedicated team of the forest department.
MORE ON THE INDIAN ROCK PYTHON:
The python is one of the largest snake species in the world. It can reach upto the length of 4 to 6 meters(13-20 feet) and weigh over 90 kilograms. It has a robust body covered in smooth glossy scales. Coloration varies, but it typically has a background color that can be shades of yellow, tan and brown with darker blotches or patches running along their backs and sides.
They are widely adaptable and can be found in a wide range of habitats including grasslands, swamps, marshes and forests. They are equally at home on the ground as well as in the trees. They are not arboreal like some other python species.
As constrictors they primarily prey on rodents, deer, monkeys and other large mammals like wild boars. They are non venomous and kill by squeezing the prey. These pythons are generally nocturnal and hunt at night. They are oviparous meaning once mate with the female, they lay about 20 to 100 eggs, which she will incubate by coiling around them to keep them warm and protected.
