Human-snake-conflict-is a common but aggravated problem in
the Terai (the southern lowland agricultural plain bordering India) of
Nepal. Nepal has 79 species of snakes including 22 venomous species. It has
been estimated that 20,000 snake bites and consequently 1000 deaths occur
annually in Nepal majority of it being in Terai. Within Terai,
snake bite incidents are more frequent in rural Terai where dominant
occupations of people are agriculture and livestock rearing.
The main objective of this
project is to promote snake conservation by reducing this prevailing human-snake-conflict
in Rupandehi via community awareness, participation and capacity building. Our
project will primarily target indigenous Tharu communities. In addition
to conducting awareness programs in numerous schools and communities, our
efforts will focus more importantly in identifying ‘local snake stewards’ in
various communities and build their capacity in identifying snakes as well as
rescuing them using proper snake handling equipment provided by us. We will
also develop a mobile app that will allow users to capture photographs of
snakes they encounter and send it to us for correct identification and counselling.
Funding Agencies: Brevard Zoo; Click Here to visit project's website at the Brevard Zoo.
