Today they are considered to be the most successful of all reptiles based on their two important characteristics. Firstly, the adaptive nature of snakes ensures their survival in a variety of habitats. This is not only apparent from their external features but their internal systems and organs are also adaptive according to the needs of their surroundings. Secondly, the universal occurrence of this species, ranging from deep waters to sandy deserts speaks for their successful abundance; some 2800 species have been discovered through out the world in a variety of habitats.

The Indian subcontinent is well known for the profuse occurrence of snakes. Some very rare and valuable species are found in this region. One of the main reasons for this abundance is the favorable climatic condition prevalent here, since snakes prefer to live at or near the equator. Till now, 321 species, out of which 300 are terrestrial and 21 aquatic, have been found to inhabit this region.

As far as the snakes found in Pakistan are concerned, some 64 (50 terrestrial, 14 aquatic) species of snakes are found to be distributed in a variety of habitats such as deserts, hills, swamps and marshes. Most of them are harmless; only three venomous families of snakes inhabit this country.

Nowadays, owing to recent developments in the field of herpetology, snakes are not only known for their abundance but also valued for their ecological, economic and medicinal importance. Herpetologists are now able to unveil the mysterious nature and importance of snakes to the world.

The ecological importance of snakes lies in the fact that they act as predators of pests and rodents, the known potential threat to our crops. As predators of rodents, snakes are beneficial for farmers. Though they are not extensively consumed as food, snakes are considered a potential source of protein in some Far East Asian countries. . Economically, their skin is of great commercial value and is used in the preparation of different consumer items such as bags, purses and shoes. Above all, the venom is used in the preparation of anti-venom vaccine and an increasing number of medicinal uses are in the process of discovery.

Despite their significance, they are subjected to loathing and depreciation. This situation is an outcome of ignorance and fear attached to snakes, which in turn is based on a number of other determinants. Primarily, the mysterious nature of this creature provides a productive ground for the development of myths and folklore. They have been figured predominantly in religions, customs and folklore. At some places their deadly nature is associated with and supernatural/ mystic powers, while at others they are viewed as malicious creatures. In addition, folklore seldom portrays them positively.

Beside these notions and beliefs, it is also pertinent to mention some common practices related to snakes, that are prevalent in the Indian subcontinent.. These practices are not only reducing the population of snakes at an alarming rate but some vulnerable species have been declared endangered due to such dangerous practices. They include illegal killing, hunting and trading of snakes and their skin, snake mongoose fights, exhibition of snake dancing events etc.

Keeping in view the benefits and issues associated with snakes, the Education, Communication and Knowledge Management Unit of IUCN Pakistan decided to highlight it as a theme with special focus on the species found in Pakistan on its website Learning to Live on Planet Earth. In fact, this initiative is a small contribution towards addressing the prevailing false notions attached with snakes and to unveil their economical and ecological importance for the Earth.

This theme is divided into various sections according to the needs of various groups such as children, teachers and scientists. The following areas are highlighted under this theme:

• The section Snakes - An Overview presents an introduction to the general features of snakes' anatomy and behaviours.
• The Families of Snakes is an overview of various families and species found in Pakistan.
• The List of Snakes of Pakistan provides scientific and common names of species found in Pakistan.
• Serpents... A Mythological Perspective provides an interesting overview of human perceptions and myths about snakes in various cultures with a focus on the subcontinent.
• The Kids' Corner is especially designed to explain the complex issues of snakes in an interesting manner to make it fun learning or edutainment.
• The Teachers Corner includes a lesson plan on Snakes of Pakistan, which can be used during classroom teachings to provide an insight to students.
• The Glossary will be a help to familiarise readers with the scientific terminology.
• Above all the images of various species of snakes are excellent in terms of composition, clarity and sheer beauty to support their narrative description.

At the end, we would like to acknowledge the contribution of those, whose support and assistance helped us in transforming this mere idea into a reality. The informative literature, comprising the General Description, Families of Snakes, List of snakes as well as some photographs of snakes were kindly provided by Mr. Hafiz ur Rehman , one Pakistan's few herpetologists. Mr. Wasi Haider has drawn the beautiful sketches, which are second to none in terms of their precision and clarity. In addition, we would like to acknowledge the valuable input of Ms. Saima Pervaiz Baig (Coordinator Programmes Sindh Programme Office IUCN Pakistan) who lent her services for the final review of the document.

Last but not least, we are grateful to Zoological Survey Department for granting us the permission to use the pictures of three aquatic snakes i.e. Enhydrina schistosa, Lepemis curtus and Hydrophis spiralis, from the Record Zoological Survey, 1988, Volume: XI.

It is hoped that this intervention would be helpful in providing an overview of the Snakes of Pakistan and would be successful in addressing some of the questions related to the myths attached with this mysterious creature. Moreover, the theme will act as a guide for nature fans, researchers and students and for those who love and appreciate nature's work of art.

By: Huma Mushtaq