The Snake Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre (SRRC), Hyderabad is a state-of-the-art facility focused on snake conservation and human-snake conflict mitigation in Telangana. It was established on 5th June 2020, by the Telangana State Forest Department in collaboration with the Friends of Snakes Society. The SRRC serves as a crucial hub for the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of snakes into their natural habitats.
The centre provides a safe and controlled environment for rescued snakes, ensuring their proper care, treatment, and rehabilitation before they are reintegrated into the wild. In addition to its rescue operations, the SRRC actively promotes reptile research, public awareness, and educational outreach programs to foster coexistence between humans and snakes. Since its inception, the facility has successfully housed and rehabilitated over 19,000 snakes, playing a pivotal role in conserving Telangana’s rich reptilian biodiversity.
The Facility
The Snake Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre (SRRC) has over 40 enclosures capable of housing upto 200 rescued snakes. These enclosures are designed to replicate natural habitats, incorporating enrichment features such as logs, rocks, plants, and water bodies. These elements cater to the snakes’ behavioral and physiological requirements, ensuring their well-being throughout their stay.
In addition to terrain enrichment, the enclosures are equipped with essential environmental controls to maintain optimal living conditions. These include heat pads and infrared (IR) bulbs to provide localized hotspots, hideouts for security and comfort, ultraviolet B (UVB) lighting to support metabolic functions, and carefully regulated temperature and humidity levels. Such provisions create a comfortable environment even for extended durations, allowing the snakes to thrive.
Veterinary Interventions and Nutritional Management
The facility provides comprehensive medical care, including wound treatment, infection control, and nutritional support. In 2024 alone, the SRRC successfully nurtured 11 snakes seized from snake charmers back to health. Additionally, several hatchlings were successfully incubated, highlighting the facility’s commitment to the well-being and conservation of rescued snakes
Public Engagement and Capacity Development
The SRRC serves as a vital center for spreading awareness about snake conservation. The facility is open to the general public, offering educational visits that aim to dispel common misconceptions and promote co-existence with these reptiles. Additionally, individuals interested in learning more can participate in structured training programs conducted over weekends, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary for handling and understanding snakes.
Scientific Research and Conservation Contributions
The SRRC actively contributes to scientific research, with its data playing a key role in publishing a paper on the snakes of Telangana and their natural history. Furthermore, the center collaborates with institutions such as Laboratory for the Conservation of Endangered Species (CCMB-LaCONES) on various projects, including studies on sexual dimorphism in select species and venom variations in snakes. These efforts significantly enhance the understanding of snake ecology and contribute to broader conservation initiatives.

The Snake Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre is a pioneering approach to snake conservation and the mitigation of human-snake conflicts. Addressing the challenges posed by urbanization and habitat loss, the SRRC combines rescue operations, public education, and capacity building to promote coexistence between humans and snakes.
By providing temporary care and rehabilitation to thousands of snakes annually, the SRRC safeguards both human and snake lives. Its public outreach initiatives dispel myths and foster understanding, while its training programs empower communities to manage conflicts responsibly. The center’s scientific contributions, through meticulous data collection and research, further enhance conservation efforts at regional and national levels.
In conclusion, the SRRC is a beacon of hope for snake conservation, demonstrating the potential of holistic approaches that integrate ecological stewardship, public engagement, and scientific expertise. It is a model for future conservation initiatives, ensuring the coexistence of humans and snakes in an increasingly urbanized world.