In the quiet corners of Tamil Nadu’s Chengalpattu district, a remarkable community is working silently to save thousands of lives across India every year. The Irula Snake Catchers’ Industrial Cooperative Society, run by the indigenous Irula tribe, plays a pivotal role in India’s antivenom production ecosystem.
Often unnoticed and underappreciated, these skilled snake catchers are now being recognized as a critical link between the wild and modern medicine.
Who Are the Irulas?
The Irulas are a Scheduled Tribe known for their traditional expertise in tracking and catching venomous snakes. For generations, this knowledge was used primarily to protect villages from snake bites. But today, their unique skills serve a much greater purpose — supporting the production of antivenom, the only effective treatment for poisonous snake bites.
The Cooperative That Saves Lives
Established in 1978, the Irula Snake Catchers’ Industrial Cooperative Society is the only licensed institution in India authorized to extract venom from live snakes for commercial antivenom production. This venom is then supplied to pharmaceutical companies that produce life-saving antivenom for public hospitals and medical facilities.
Every year, the society captures over 12,000 snakes, including the “Big Four” — Indian cobra, Russell’s viper, common krait, and saw-scaled viper — which are responsible for the majority of venomous bites in India.
After venom extraction in safe, hygienic conditions, the snakes are released back into the wild within 30 days, adhering to wildlife protection regulations.
Why Antivenom Matters in India
India records the highest number of snakebite deaths in the world — an estimated 50,000 fatalities annually. The availability of effective, region-specific antivenom is crucial for saving lives, especially in rural areas. Without the Irulas’ contribution, India’s fight against snakebite mortality would be significantly hampered.
Their work directly supports the country’s public health infrastructure by:
- Ensuring a stable and sustainable supply of venom
- Reducing dependency on foreign sources
- Helping pharma companies produce effective, localized antivenoms
Conservation Meets Livelihood
The cooperative is also a model for sustainable wildlife conservation. It strikes a balance between ecological ethics and rural livelihoods:
- Irula members are trained, licensed, and compensated for their work
- The process follows strict guidelines by the Wildlife Protection Act
- The community benefits economically while promoting ecological harmony
This initiative has lifted many Irula families out of poverty and given them dignified employment rooted in their heritage.
Global Recognition, Local Impact
The Irula society has garnered international attention for its unique contribution to both science and society. It stands as an inspiring example of how indigenous knowledge and traditional skills can be integrated into modern healthcare systems with powerful results.
The government and non-profits are now working to further strengthen and replicate this model in other parts of the country.
A Model of Indigenous Innovation
The story of the Irula Snake Catchers is not just about venom extraction — it’s about transforming ancient wisdom into modern solutions. Their courage, precision, and dedication help save thousands of lives each year. As India strives toward better healthcare and biodiversity conservation, the Irulas serve as a shining example of how local communities can become global changemakers.