Welcome to the Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates Inside Science series.

I'm Paul Vogel saying and this is episode number 362. Human and venomous snake habitats connect, the results are often lethal.

Snake bites, according to acclaimed herpetologist Romulus Whitaker, have become a complex problem,

earning the designation of a category A neglected tropical disease from the World Health Organization.

People are very frightened of snakes, and in India we have almost 300 different kinds of snakes.

Most are absolutely harmless, but there are some very deadly snakes in India

and they kill thousands of people. These bites are accidents and they can be avoided.

There are 15 species of Indian snakes that have killed humans,

but just four of them account for the majority of snake bite deaths in India.

Knowing the habits of these snakes and taking steps to avoid accidental encounters with them can save many

many lives. That of course is our guest today Rom

Whitaker. Rom Whitaker who lives in India has been recognized for his many herpetological and conservation endeavors, including founding India's Madras Crocodile Bank.

He won an Emmy Award for his 1996 National Geographic documentary King Cobra

about the world's largest venomous snake.

Also, he received a Rolex Award for Enterprise in 2008 for establishing two field stations in the

rain forests of South India and the Andaman Islands.

Join me for a fascinating discussion with Romulus Whitaker about his work on snake bite mitigation,

India's iconic snakes, and his ongoing efforts to preserve reptile habitats.

Little Wonder, a species of Indian boa, Eric's Whitaker, was

named in his honor. Please welcome to the not-old better show via internet phone

herpetologist, scientist, educator, Romulus Whitaker.

Ron Whitaker, welcome to the program.

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