Today a talk on ‘biodiversity maintenance’ with special regard to snakes which are an essential component of our ecosystems, was organized for our students by the Science Club of the school. The spokesperson for today was Mr. Benhail Antao, a trained mechanical engineer and a well known conservationist who often features on National Geographic Channel along with his wife, documenting ‘Goa’s Wildest’. He has been accepted as the wildlife warden by the forest department of Goa and is commissioned by them to handle the rescue missions. His passion and dedication is truly inspiring.

The students learnt about how snakes play a crucial role in maintaining the delicate balance of our ecosystems. Unfortunately, they are often misunderstood and face numerous challenges. In today’s presentation the students explored the significance of snakes, the threats they encounter, and the actions we can take to preserve and protect these fascinating creatures. Raising awareness plays a crucial role in dispelling misconceptions and fear surrounding snakes. This awareness campaign promoted a positive image of snakes, highlighting their ecological importance and promoting coexistence. Encouraging students to adopt snake-friendly practices to reduce conflicts was the objective. Simple measures like keeping surroundings clean, securing garbage bins, and ensuring houses are snake-proofed can protect both humans and snakes were suggested. The talk was indeed enlightening and a valued learning experience for our students.