Vadivel Gopal | |
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| Occupation(s) | Snake catcher Conservationist |
| Known for | Traditional snake catching for antivenom production |
| Awards | Padma Shri (2023) |
Vadivel Gopal is an Indian snake catcher from theIrula tribe ofTamil Nadu.[1] He is known for his expertise in catching venomous snakes, a skill crucial for the production of life-savingantivenom.[2] Along with his long-time collaboratorMasi Sadaiyan, he was awarded thePadma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian award, in 2023 for his contributions to social work in the field of healthcare.[3]
Gopal and Sadaiyan are members of theIrula Snake Catchers' Industrial Cooperative Society, which plays a vital role in supplying venom to laboratories that produce antivenom.[4] Their traditional and highly skilled methods of tracking and capturing snakes have been recognized not only in India but also internationally. In 2017, they were invited toFlorida, United States, to help train local wildlife officials in catching invasiveBurmese pythons.[5]