Understanding snakes. Protecting people.
A safer encounter starts with knowledge
A snake in the garden can raise many questions. This free Sri Lankan service connects photographs and observations with human expertise, while helping communities learn about snakes and respond appropriately to a bite.
Share a photograph, safely
01
Keep your distance
Use an existing photograph or zoom from a safe position. Never approach or handle a snake for a better image.
02
Tell us what you saw
Add your email, district, habitat and useful observations. Clear context can help an expert assess the photograph.
03
Receive an expert opinion
An acknowledgement confirms receipt. Identification follows human review and may remain uncertain if details are insufficient.
Meet some of Sri Lanka’s snakes
Explore appearance, habitat and medical importance. A short description is a learning aid, never a reason to handle a snake.
6 profiles
Indian cobra
Naja naja
Ground-level cover, field margins and sheltered spaces near human habitation.
Russell’s viper
Daboia russelii
Grass, scrub, agricultural land and field edges.
Sri Lankan green pit viper
Craspedocephalus trigonocephalus
Shrubs, low branches and vegetation in forest and cultivated landscapes.
Oriental rat snake
Ptyas mucosa
Farmland, gardens, wetland margins and settled areas with cover and prey.
Common wolf snake
Lycodon aulicus
Buildings, gardens, crevices and other places with small prey such as geckos.
Green vine snake
Ahaetulla nasuta
Shrubs, trees, gardens and forest-edge vegetation.
Safety comes first
Medically important snakes
Learn why cobras, kraits, vipers and some rear-fanged snakes need particular caution. Size and colour cannot establish safety.
Snakebite first aid
Keep the person still, immobilise the bitten limb and arrange immediate hospital transport. Avoid harmful home treatments.
Prevent avoidable encounters
Use light at night, wear suitable footwear and check work areas before reaching into concealed spaces.
Reliable learning, for everyone
Resources for families, students, healthcare workers and people working outdoors. Our educational pages link to WHO and Sri Lankan professional guidance.
About the project
Prof. Kalana Maduwage is the project’s main academic and subject resource person. Dr. Parackrama Karunathilake designs and maintains the website and contributes to its educational content.
Questions before you submit?
Is the service free?
Yes. It provides expert-supported educational identification without a submission fee.
Does the acknowledgement identify the snake?
No. It confirms that the submission was received. An expert must review it separately.
Should I wait after a bite?
No. Go to hospital immediately, even when there are no symptoms.