Through the Save The Snakes Support Grant Program, Save The Snakes supported Soe Thandar Aung to reduce the human-snake conflict in Myanmar. This project aims to educate people about the snakes of Myanmar and promote awareness to reduce snakebite incidences.

Project Title:

Community-Based Snake Conservation and Human-Snake Conflict Mitigation in Rural Myanmar

Project Summary:

Myanmar is home to a diverse range of 196 snake species, including several that are threatened or endangered, such as the Burmese python (Python bivittatus) and the King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah). However, human-snake conflict, exacerbated by habitat loss, illegal wildlife trade, and ongoing civil unrest, places both snakes and human populations at risk. Rural communities in Myanmar, especially in conflict-affected areas, face high rates of snakebite incidents with limited access to medical care, while local snakes face the dual threats of habitat destruction and unwarranted killings out of fear and misunderstanding.

Soe Thandar Aung’s project aims to address these pressing issues by combining wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, species identification, and extensive community education. Through collaboration with local doctors, villagers, and citizen scientists, this project empowers communities to coexist safely with snakes, helps identify species accurately, and provides essential first-aid training for snakebites. The initiative also includes a nationwide educational campaign delivered via workshops, school programs, and webinars, ensuring that even remote villages can access life-saving information and participate in conservation efforts.

The project leverages the Snakes of Myanmar platform, a key resource where experts collaborate to offer real-time snake identification and snakebite consultation. This integrated approach not only reduces fear and misinformation but also actively contributes to the protection of Myanmar’s unique herpetofauna.

Aims and Objectives:

The project aims to reduce human-snake conflict by conducting community-based workshops and training sessions that educate villagers on the ecological importance of snakes and promote safe coexistence. A rescue and release network will be established by training local volunteers to safely relocate snakes from human settlements to suitable habitats. To improve snakebite response, the project will provide first-aid training in collaboration with medical professionals and distribute illustrated educational materials, such as guidebooks and posters, to aid in species identification and safe handling practices. Conservation efforts will focus on rescuing and rehabilitating vulnerable species, including the Burmese python (Python bivittatus), King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah), and the endemic Naja mandalayensis, ensuring their safe relocation to reduce persecution and illegal trade. Additionally, a citizen science network of at least 50 volunteers will be formed to report snake sightings, snakebite cases, and habitat threats, contributing to data collection on species distribution. The success of rescue operations will be monitored through follow-up on the health and survival of released snakes, ensuring ongoing evaluation and impact tracking.

Goal:

The ultimate goal of the project is to reduce human-snake conflict and snakebite incidents in Myanmar’s rural communities while promoting the conservation of threatened snake species. Through community-driven education, safe handling practices, and first-aid training, the project will foster positive attitudes towards snakes and create a network of local conservationists who can continue this work long after the project concludes.

Additionally, the project aims to gather critical data on snake populations and behavior, which will inform future conservation efforts and contribute to a better understanding of the challenges faced by Myanmar’s wildlife, especially in conflict-affected regions.

Support Snake Conservation:

Soe Thandar Aung’s project is a recipient of the 2025 Save The Snakes Vijayan Devan Southeast Asian Snake Conservation Grant Program. Save The Snakes Grants are made possible because of the generosity of compassionate people and organizations who are inspired and dedicated to protect threatened snake populations and mitigate human-snake conflict around the world. Please donate today to help Save The Snakes support even more snake conservationists to continue their vital work. Thank you for your support!