Since 2015, Project King Cobra has been dedicated to the long-term conservation and scientific study of the King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah), the world’s longest venomous snake. Our efforts are focused on the protection, monitoring, and ecological research of nesting sites across key regions of Nepal, including Kaski, Syangja, Parbat, Myagdi, Kathmandu, Makwanpur, Dang, Palpa, and beyond.This project combines nest site protection, habitat assessment, behavioral ecology, and long-term monitoring to address the growing threats faced by this apex reptile. Through community engagement, field-based observation, and scientific research, our team has been actively documenting nesting behavior, habitat use, human-wildlife conflict, and conservation challenges. The ultimate goal is to generate evidence-based strategies that ensure the survival of King Cobras in Nepal's rapidly changing landscapes.Unique Nesting Behavior of the King CobraThe King Cobra is the only snake species among more than 4,000 known worldwide that builds and actively guards its nest. Females construct elaborate nests using leaves and vegetation and remain with their eggs for 2 to 3 months, displaying a level of maternal care unprecedented in serpents. This remarkable behavior not only reflects the species’ ecological significance but also underscores the need to protect critical nesting habitats from disturbance and destruction.

Since its establishment in 2073 B.S., the Snake Conservation Society Nepal (SCSN) has been actively engaged in raising awareness about the ecological and cultural importance of snakes across the country. Our team has been continuously working on education and outreach activities to reduce fear, dispel common myths, and promote coexistence between people and snakes, as local people are the most encountered group with the snakes.Through school-based sessions, community meetings, awareness camps, radio broadcasts, and educational social media content, we have reached thousands of individuals. These programs are designed to communicate the vital ecological roles snakes play, such as maintaining balance in local ecosystems by controlling rodent populations, as well as their religious and cultural significance in Nepalese society.By focusing on high-risk and high-interaction groups like farmers, students, women, and rural communities, our campaigns aim to change attitudes and encourage safe, informed behavior during snake encounters. All outreach is delivered in locally relevant formats and languages, ensuring accessibility and impact. As part of our long-term vision, we are now working to expand these awareness efforts to additional districts, with the goal of building a more snake-friendly and conservation-minded society across Nepal.

The Snake Conservation Society Nepal (SCSN) is actively involved in the safe rescue and ethical release of snakes found in conflict situations, especially in and around human settlements. Snakes are often unintentionally harmed or killed out of fear or misunderstanding when they enter homes, farms, or public areas. Our trained team responds to rescue calls from the public, local authorities, and community networks across several districts, ensuring both human safety and the well-being of the snakes.Each rescue operation is carried out with proper species identification, careful handling protocols, and minimal stress to the animal. Once rescued, snakes are assessed and safely released into suitable natural habitats, far from human interference, following ecological guidelines and government wildlife laws and regulations.This program not only helps to prevent snakebite every year but also plays a crucial role in building trust with local communities. Every rescue is an opportunity to educate the public, correct misinformation, and promote coexistence. Through this initiative, SCSN continues to bridge the gap between conservation science and community action, contributing meaningfully to both snake conservation and public safety in Nepal.

As part of our commitment to promoting safe human–snake coexistence and strengthening conflict mitigation efforts, the Snake Conservation Society Nepal (SCSN) conducts specialized training programs focused on snake identification and safe handling. These trainings are designed for forest officials, police personnel, wildlife rescue volunteers, and forestry students individuals most likely to encounter snakes during fieldwork or emergency situations.The program covers accurate identification of both venomous and non-venomous snake species commonly found in Nepal, emphasizing key identified morphological characters, behavior, and habitat associations. It also includes safe and ethical handling techniques, snakebite first response, and rescue and release protocols aligned with conservation and legal standards. Participants are further trained in snake ecology, relevant wildlife protection laws, and strategies for raising public awareness at the community level.By equipping frontline responders and emerging conservation professionals with practical skills and science-based knowledge, this training initiative enhances both human safety and snake conservation. Sessions are delivered through interactive discussions, hands-on demonstrations, and real-world case studies to ensure participants gain the confidence and competence required in real-life rescue and education scenarios.