なぜヘビを怖がるのか？野生動物との関係を見直す | Surya Keerthi | TEDxGCEM

ヘビへの恐怖は、その見た目や身近な言い伝え、自然界への理解不足に根ざしていることが多いとされます。このTEDxGCEMの講演では、野生動物保全活動家でヘビの救助にも携わるSurya Keerthiが、ヘビの救助経験をもとに人と野生動物の関係を取り上げます。人間の活動が人と野生動物の対立にどうつながるかを説明し、恐怖ではなく理解と共存を訴えています。自然に邪魔されない空間を与えることも、保護の一つの方法として語られます。

• ヘビを怖がる理由：見た目、言い伝え、知識不足
• 人間の活動と人と野生動物の対立
• 救助と教育も保全活動の一部であること

Why do we fear snakes? Is it the way they look, the myths surrounding them, or our lack of understanding of the natural world? In this talk, wildlife conservationist and animal rescuer Surya Keerthi uses his experiences with snake rescue to explore a much larger issue: our relationship with wildlife. He challenges common misconceptions, highlights how human activities contribute to human–wildlife conflict, and encourages us to replace fear with understanding and coexistence. Going beyond individual rescues, Surya reflects on what conservation truly means and why protecting wildlife requires us to recognise our responsibility towards the natural world. His message reminds us that sometimes, the best way to protect nature is to give it the space to thrive undisturbed. Surya Keerthi is a wildlife conservationist, animal rescuer, and educator from Karnataka, with over 13 years of dedicated pro bono service. As the founder of the Surya Keerthi Wildlife Conservation Project, he has rescued more than 30,000 snakes and 10,000 other animals and birds, working extensively on human-animal conflict in the region. His work goes beyond rescue and relocation, encompassing animal rehabilitation, habitat restoration, public education, and wildlife awareness. Through his distinctive “Open- Air Classroom” approach, every rescue becomes an opportunity to educate communities about wildlife, ecological roles, and preventive safety, helping transform fear into curiosity and empathy. His conservation efforts have received national attention, including a feature on National Geographic’s Snakes in the City. Through rescue initiatives, sanctuary efforts, and public outreach, he continues to promote informed, and compassionate coexistence between people and wildlife. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx