India, May 27 -- The historic hill capital of Kandy will become the global epicentre of snake science and conservation when an international snake congress gets underway from October 1 to 4, bringing together some of the world's leading herpetologists, toxinologists, wildlife researchers and conservation experts.

The four-day confab is expected to draw scientists and conservationists from across Asia, Europe, Australia and the Americas for discussions on biodiversity conservation, snakebite mitigation, climate change, venom research and ecosystem health.

Organisers say the congress is one of the most ambitious international gatherings ever dedicated to snakes and their role in science, ecology and public health.

The event will place Sr...