Rahul Alvares

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Rahul Alvares
Born
Goa, India
Occupation(s)Herpetologist, wildlife photographer
Parents

Rahul Alvares is an Indian herpetologist, author, and wildlife photographer based in Goa.[1] He is known for his work in snake rescue, wildlife conservation, and for his books regarding wildlife and experiential education.[2]

Early life and education

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Alvares was born to Norma Alvares and Claude Alvares, an environmental activist.[3][1] He grew up in Goa, where he caught his first snake, a checkered keelback, at the age of 16.[3]

Following his completion of the 10th grade, Alvares chose to take a one-year hiatus from formal schooling to pursue practical learning. During this period, he volunteered at the Madras Crocodile Bank Trust, where he worked under the mentorship of herpetologist Romulus Whitaker.[2][3] He later resumed his formal education, obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Zoology from St. Xavier's College, Mapusa, where he topped his class.[2]

Career

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Herpetology and wildlife guide

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Alvares began rescuing snakes from residential areas in 1997.[1] By 2010, he had responded to over 500 distress calls related to snakes in a single season.[2] He works as a wildlife guide, conducting bird-watching tours and running "Herp-active" internship programs focused on herpetology.[1]

In addition to rescue work, Alvares conducts educational workshops aimed at mitigating the public's fear of snakes. These sessions involve teaching participants how to identify the "Big Four" venomous snakes of India (the Indian cobra, Russell's viper, saw-scaled viper, and common krait) and allowing them to handle non-venomous species such as the rat snake and sand boa under supervision.[4] He advocates for the coexistence of humans and wildlife.[1]

Writing

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Alvares has authored several books based on his experiences with nature and education. In 1999, he published Free From School, a memoir detailing his gap year and experiences at the Madras Crocodile Bank Trust. The book was subsequently translated into Hindi, Marathi, and Konkani.[2]

In 2003, he released The Call of the Snake, which documents his experiences catching snakes in Goan towns and villages.[3][2] He has also co-authored Birds of Goa and authored Snakes of Goa.[1]

Works

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  • Free From School (1999)
  • The Call of the Snake (2003)
  • Birds of Goa
  • Snakes of Goa (2024)

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f "Meet Rahul Alvares who is charmed by the snakes of Goa". Gomantak Times. 25 February 2024. Retrieved 2024-11-20.
  2. ^ a b c d e f "Career: He catches snakes, watches birds for a living". Rediff. 2010-05-11. Retrieved 2024-11-20.
  3. ^ a b c d "Goa-based herpetologist Rahul Alvares talks about his book The Call of the Snake". India Today. 2003-10-27. Retrieved 2024-11-20.
  4. ^ "Getting over the fear of snakes". Herald Goa. Retrieved 2024-11-20.
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