Protecting The Lives of Life Savers

Why This Will Always Be Our Focus

At Adavi Alert Foundation (AAF), protecting the lives of forest frontline staff is not just a project—it is a commitment rooted in respect, responsibility, and reality. These unsung heroes risk their lives every single day to safeguard our forests, wildlife, and natural resources. Whether it's tracking wildlife movement in dangerous terrain, responding to human-wildlife conflict, or working under extreme weather conditions with minimal resources, their role is as vital as it is vulnerable.

Yet, despite their dedication, they often lack basic safety equipment, medical support, and recognition. Our focus on supporting them is a moral responsibility and a strategic necessity for conservation itself. Without them, the foundation of biodiversity protection would collapse.

This is why AAF consistently invests in essential supplies like medical kits, torches, safety gear, weather protection materials, and capacity-building efforts. Every project, whether short-term or long-term, is designed with their welfare in mind. We believe that when we protect those who protect our forests, we are not only saving lives but strengthening the very backbone of conservation in India. This focus will remain central to everything we do today and always.

Snakes of Mysore: A Landmark Conservation and Awareness Project

Snakes of Mysore is one of Adavi Alert Foundation’s most impactful and knowledge-driven conservation projects. It was created to address the growing concerns of snakebite-related fatalities and the widespread misinformation about snakes. The project is a tribute to these misunderstood reptiles and also a life-saving initiative that promotes awareness and coexistence.

The Purpose

India reports a large number of global snakebite deaths each year. Yet public awareness of snake ecology, venom behavior, and proper first-response actions is still very limited. Mysore, like many other parts of India, is home to both venomous and non-venomous snakes. In many cases, a lack of understanding leads to panic, the killing of snakes, or unsafe rescue attempts. This puts both people and snakes at serious risk.

The Snakes of Mysore project was launched to close this knowledge gap. It was designed to educate communities, schoolchildren, healthcare workers, and nature enthusiasts about the snakes native to Mysore. The goal is to correct myths, improve first-response knowledge, and encourage safe coexistence with snakes.

The Book

At the center of this project is a beautifully designed and informative book titled Snakes of Mysore. It features nine detailed chapters covering:

  • Profiles of venomous, semi-venomous, and non-venomous species found in and around Mysore

  • Information on the snakes most commonly responsible for bites in India

  • Simple explanations of venom types, symptoms of envenomation, and recommended first-aid measures

  • Rare photographs, species identification tools, and tips for safe behavior when encountering snakes

This is not a decorative coffee table book. It is a field-ready guide built on science, local expertise, and practical conservation insight. Its purpose is to inform, protect, and inspire.

Highlighting a Conservation Icon

Though the book explores a wide range of content, it also honors the legacy of Mr. Balasubramanya, famously known as Snake Shyam. He emerged as a conservation icon during the 1990s and has since become a symbol of fearless dedication to wildlife. For over 43 years, he has rescued countless snakes from urban and rural areas of Mysore using his own unique style. While he is not the central focus of the book, his story is respectfully included to recognize his irreplaceable contributions.

Execution and Collaboration

The project came to life through the focused efforts of the Adavi Alert Foundation team. Rashmi, Director of AAF, played a key role in developing the book’s content and guiding it through each phase of research and production. Her involvement was essential to the successful launch of this project.

The accompanying awareness film was created by In My Head Productions, whose visual storytelling brought the conservation message to a wider audience. The team’s ability to capture the emotional and ecological importance of the project helped amplify its impact.

Our Mission Through This Project

The Snakes of Mysore project stands for much more than just reptile identification. It promotes safety, awareness, and compassion. It reflects Adavi Alert Foundation’s long-standing belief that knowledge is the foundation of conservation. By replacing fear with understanding and panic with preparedness, this initiative aims to save lives—both human and animal.