Venomous reptiles found in Margalla Hills

One of the rarest ecosystems lying close to an urban centre starts to witness wild species.

ISLAMABAD:

One of the rarest ecosystems lying close to an urban centre in Margalla Hills has started witnessing wild species roaming in the national park that can be dangerous if provoked.

Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) Chairperson Rina Saeed Khan Satti took to Twitter to announce the movement of the native reptiles on her official handle and warned the masses and nature lovers to avoid unnecessary contact with the wild animals.

The chairperson welcomed the presence of common Krait, a highly venomous snake native to the region of the subcontinent. Dr Khan wrote, "Guess who came to visit our information centre on Trail 5? Yes, it's a Krait: venomous, neurotoxins that induce paralysis."

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She added that the Krait was not an aggressive snake unless an individual messed with it. "They come out in rainy season," she warned.

In another tweet, she announced the successful rehabilitation and release of a Kite, which was found injured in the premises of the national park, rescued by the IWMB officials.

She wrote, "Kite released by IWMB decided to hang around our rescue centre! We will be rescuing and rehabilitating endemic species, especially those found in MHNP," she added.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 9^th, 2021.