Project Abstract – The study is being conducted in the central Western Ghats which comprises one of the last surviving lowland rainforests of India that is rapidly becoming fragmented due to human encroachment. The land use in the region mostly includes agriculture, mining and residential development. Being located in Western Ghats this region is one of the last strongholds for not only the king cobra, but a myriad of other unique plants and animals. It is critical to act now in our efforts to obtain greater protection for this recognized Biodiversity Hotspot.

Being a flagship species for this region and an apex predator mainly preying upon other snakes, the presence of king cobras indicates a healthy biodiversity. Four teams comprising one well trained intern and one local field assistant in each will track four radio-tagged snakes everyday thoughout their activity period to observe day to day activity, movement and interactions. While the king cobra telemetry study will help to gain considerable knowledge on the ecology and behavior of the species, it will also provide ample opportunity to continue to communicate with communities living in the region and conduct awareness programs on a regular basis while following the king cobras through this largely human dominated landscape. A concise periodic report will be submitted to the Karnataka State Forest Department (the permitting agency) based on results of the study which will help in implementing actions towards conservation at the landscape level. Over 800 students from across India will be trained and taught about snake behavioral ecology and the use of radio telemetry through the volunteer program.