Introduction

Deep in the forests of Tamil Nadu, the Irula tribe, known for their centuries-old expertise in snake-catching, has transformed their traditional knowledge into a thriving and life-saving business. This community, once reliant on snake hunting for survival, now plays a critical role in India's anti-venom industry—a sector that saves thousands of lives every year from deadly snakebites.

Today, the Irula Snake Catchers’ Industrial Cooperative Society (ISCICS) is at the heart of this unique business, legally extracting venom from snakes and selling it to pharmaceutical companies for anti-venom production. Their efforts have not only ensured their own economic survival but have also contributed significantly to wildlife conservation.

Who Are the Irula?

The Irula tribe is an indigenous community primarily residing in Tamil Nadu and parts of Kerala. Traditionally, the Irulas were skilled snake hunters, using their deep understanding of reptile behavior to locate and capture venomous snakes like the Indian cobra, Russell’s viper, saw-scaled viper, and common krait—the four deadliest snakes in India.

For centuries, they relied on snake-catching for survival, often selling snakeskins. However, in 1972, the Indian government banned the trade of snake skins under the Wildlife Protection Act, leaving the Irulas without a livelihood. That’s when their expertise found a new purpose—venom extraction for anti-venom production.

The Business of Snake Venom Extraction

1️⃣ Establishment of the Irula Snake Catchers’ Industrial Cooperative Society (ISCICS)

In 1978, renowned herpetologist Romulus Whitaker helped the Irula community set up the Irula Snake Catchers’ Industrial Cooperative Society (ISCICS) near Chennai. The organization gave Irula snake catchers a legal and ethical way to use their skills while contributing to public health and wildlife conservation.

2️⃣ How Venom Extraction Works

✅ The Irulas catch venomous snakes in a humane and controlled manner
✅ Snakes are temporarily kept at the cooperative’s facility
✅ Trained experts extract venom by making the snake bite into a sterile glass container
✅ The venom is processed and sold to pharmaceutical companies for anti-venom production
✅ After extraction, the snakes are released back into the wild within a few weeks

This method ensures that no snakes are harmed, and the cycle continues sustainably.

Why Is Snake Venom Business Important?

1️⃣ Anti-Venom Production: A Life-Saving Necessity

India records an estimated 50,000 deaths per year due to snakebites, with many victims in rural areas where medical facilities are limited. The venom extracted by the Irulas is crucial in producing polyvalent anti-venom, which is used in hospitals across India to treat snakebite victims.

2️⃣ Economic Upliftment of the Irula Tribe

Before this initiative, the Irulas faced extreme poverty. Today, their work in venom extraction provides them with a stable income, empowering the community through:

✔ Employment opportunities
✔ Education for their children
✔ Healthcare access
✔ Better living standards

3️⃣ Conservation of India’s Snakes

Instead of killing snakes for skin and meat, the Irulas now contribute to their conservation. By handling snakes responsibly and ensuring their safe release, they play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance.

Challenges Faced by the Irulas

Despite their expertise and contribution, the Irula community still faces several challenges:

???? Lack of Recognition – Their work is often undervalued, and they receive minimal government support
???? Difficult Working Conditions – Catching venomous snakes is dangerous, requiring extreme skill and caution
???? Limited Venom Market – Despite demand, middlemen often take a large cut of the profits, leaving the Irulas with lower wages
???? Climate Change Impact – Changing weather patterns affect snake populations, making it harder to locate them

How You Can Support the Irula Community

✔ Raising Awareness – Share their story and educate people about their contributions
✔ Support Ethical Wildlife Conservation – Advocate for policies that support tribal communities while protecting biodiversity
✔ Encourage Government Initiatives – Push for policies that improve the economic conditions of snake catchers

Conclusion: A Sustainable Model for the Future

The Irula tribe’s transition from snake hunters to wildlife conservationists and life-savers is a remarkable story of adaptation, sustainability, and resilience. Their traditional knowledge is not only preserving India’s biodiversity but also saving human lives through the production of anti-venom.

By recognizing and supporting their work, we can ensure that the Irulas continue their invaluable contribution to both wildlife conservation and public health—a true example of how indigenous wisdom can create sustainable and life-saving solutions for modern problems.