MEBO, Aug 8: A python rescued from Silluk village in Arunachal Pradesh’s Mebo subdivision was released into the D. Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary following concerns over the safety of snakes in areas close to human habitation.
The python was rescued after villagers spotted it near Silluk. Silluk Swachh Abhiyan chairman Kepang Nong Borang reached the spot and secured the snake in a cage instead of allowing it to be killed.
The need to relocate the python gained urgency after another python, reportedly of a similar age and size, was killed by some village youths the following day, according to Borang.
Borang later approached the Borguli Wildlife Range, arguing that releasing the rescued snake in the jungle near the village could leave it vulnerable to further harm. The python was subsequently taken to the D. Ering Wildlife Sanctuary and released in the presence of East Siang honorary wildlife warden M Tayeng and staff of the Borguli Wildlife Range.
Silluk Village-II Gram Panchayat chairperson Opung Borang also accompanied the team during the release.
The incident raised concerns over the possible presence of more snakes in the area. Opung Borang said the mother of the rescued python could still be near the village and that residents would try to rescue and relocate any other pythons found there.
She urged villagers to inform her or Kepang Nong Borang when they spot a python instead of attempting to kill or capture it themselves.
The Silluk Swachh Abhiyan team had previously rescued two Chinese pangolins and released them into the D. Ering Wildlife Sanctuary in 2023 and 2024.
Local representatives have also sought support from the State Forest and Wildlife Department, including rescue cages, equipment and medicines for community members involved in wildlife rescue.
Officials from the D. Ering Wildlife Sanctuary and Borguli Wildlife Range acknowledged the villagers’ efforts and expressed hope that more local residents, particularly young people, would participate in wildlife protection.
