Through the Save The Snakes Support Grant Program, Save The Snakes supported Deepak Kumar Shah to strengthen Burmese python conservation in the buffer zone of Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, Nepal. This project combines habitat assessment, research into community perceptions and human–snake conflict, conservation education, and local capacity building to improve understanding of Burmese pythons and promote safer coexistence between people and snakes.
Project Title:
Strengthening Burmese Python Conservation through Habitat Assessment, Community Education, and Local Capacity Building in the Buffer Zone of Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, Nepal
Project Summary:
Deepak Kumar Shah’s project focuses on the Burmese python (Python bivittatus), a Vulnerable species on the IUCN Red List and an important predator in wetland and forest ecosystems. Despite reports of human–python conflict in and around the buffer zone of Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, there is limited information on Burmese python habitat suitability, local perceptions, and the nature and distribution of human–snake conflict in eastern Nepal.
The seven-month project will assess potential Burmese python habitat within the 172 km² buffer zone of Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve and identify areas where human–snake conflict is concentrated. A household survey involving approximately 120 households will document local knowledge, perceptions, attitudes, and experiences related to snakes and human–snake conflict.
The project will then use these findings to guide targeted community education and basic snake rescue training in conflict hotspots. Activities will focus on snake identification, the ecological importance of Burmese pythons and other snakes, safe responses to snake encounters, snakebite prevention, and basic rescue practices.
By combining ecological and social research with community-based education and capacity building, the project will generate baseline information for future conservation efforts while helping communities respond more safely and confidently to Burmese python encounters.
Aims and Objectives:
- Assess Burmese Python Habitat and Conflict Hotspots:
Conduct field surveys within the buffer zone of Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve to assess potential Burmese python habitat, document habitat characteristics, and identify areas where human–Burmese python conflict is concentrated.
Generate baseline information on Burmese python habitat suitability and occurrence to help identify areas requiring future monitoring and conservation attention.
- Understand Community Perceptions and Human–Snake Conflict:
Conduct semi-structured household surveys with approximately 120 households to document local knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, and experiences related to snakes and human–snake conflict.
Identify key sources of fear, misconceptions, conflict, and challenges affecting Burmese python conservation in local communities.
- Promote Community-Based Snake Conservation:
Conduct targeted community education activities in identified conflict hotspots, reaching more than 800 people.
Activities will focus on snake identification, the ecological importance of snakes, safe responses to encounters, snakebite prevention, and reducing unnecessary killing of snakes.
- Build Local Capacity for Safe Snake Rescue:
Provide basic snake rescue training to selected community members, including practical guidance on safe responses to snake encounters and appropriate rescue practices.
Build local capacity so that communities are better equipped to respond safely when Burmese pythons and other snakes are encountered.
- Develop Conservation Recommendations:
Combine habitat assessment, conflict mapping, community perception research, and education outcomes to develop practical recommendations for reducing human–Burmese python conflict and supporting future conservation initiatives.
The project will share findings with relevant government authorities, community forest user groups, conservation stakeholders, and local communities.
Goal:
The ultimate goal of this project is to strengthen conservation of the Burmese python in eastern Nepal while promoting safer coexistence between people and snakes.
By combining ecological research with an assessment of community perceptions and human–snake conflict, the project will establish baseline information on Burmese python habitat and identify areas where conservation and conflict-management efforts can be targeted.
The project will also address fear and misconceptions about Burmese pythons and other snakes through community education and local capacity building. By improving snake identification, conservation knowledge, and safe responses to snake encounters, the project aims to reduce unnecessary killing and encourage greater community participation in snake conservation.
The information, field protocols, community relationships, and educational materials developed through the project will provide a foundation for continued monitoring, conservation planning, and community engagement beyond the seven-month grant period.
Support Snake Conservation:
We would like to send our most heartfelt thanks to Dustin Howland for supporting this project. Deepak Kumar Shah’s project is a recipient of the 2026 Save The Snakes Support 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!
