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LONG LIVE THE KING 

 

In India, deaths caused by snake bites range from 40,000 to 60,000 each year, far exceeding the total number of fatalities from other forms of human-wildlife conflict.

 

The Agumbe Rainforest Research Station (ARRS) was established to also address this problem. The organization is dedicated to study and rescue venomous snakes from private homes and public facilities including forested, agricultural, and rural areas. These places are particularly vulnerable to snake bites, Western Ghats king cobras (Ophiophagus kaalinga) included, which are the focus of ARRS’s efforts. Although they have a less aggressive temperament than some other species, a king cobra's venom can kill a person in about an hour, and currently, no effective serum exists for treating their bites.

 

King cobras often approach villages and houses to prey on other snakes, which are attracted by the presence of rodents. This proximity to settlements creates a conflict between humans and wildlife, resulting in casualties on both sides. Much of this conflict stems from a lack of knowledge about the species, how to seek help, and what steps to take in the event of a bite. ​ The interventions and research conducted by ARRS are vital for alleviating this problem. Over the past 12 years, the organization has rescued 315 king cobras and hundreds of other venomous species. They also work to raise awareness within the community about the risks associated with snakes, available solutions, and how to coexist peacefully with them.