Russell vipers population booms in BNP

BANGALORE: On Tuesday (May 31), Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP) saw a boom in the number of Russell vipers. With the birth of around 59 Russell vipers adding to the existing nine (three males and six females), the number has shot up to 68.According to an official from the BBP, this is the first time the Park has witnessed the birth of such huge number of Russel vipers at once. Dr Chittiappa, Veterinarian, BBP, said, “Earlier about two or three years ago around 18-20 Russell vipers were born, but this has been the highest number ever recorded.”Speaking to TNIE he said, “We have put them in small boxes as they might fall prey to bigger Russell vipers. We are feeding them with small frogs as of now. But it will be difficult for the animal keepers to handle such huge number. We are trying to rehabilitate them, meanwhile if any other zoo requires it, we will give them.”