Butwal, November 13

A rare King Cobra, a species usually found in the hilly regions of Nepal, has been discovered for the first time in the plains district of Rupandehi.

The massive snake was found at the home of Lemkumari Ranamagar in Charange, Devdaha Municipality–10. Surprised by the unusually large and long snake, the Ranamagar family immediately contacted snake rescuers.

According to rescuer Bishal Pandey, the King Cobra measured 12 feet 3 inches in length and weighed 7.2 kilograms. The snake was captured after nearly three hours of effort by a team led by Pandey, including Nabin Poudel, Sagar Pandey, and Bishwas Pandey from the Butwal Snake Rescue Team.

After the successful rescue, the King Cobra was inspected in the presence of officials from the Division Forest Office and later released into a dense forest area considered its suitable natural habitat, said Ward Chairperson Ek Bahadur Sunar of Devdaha–10.

Experts say the King Cobra, known as Raj Goman in Nepali, is one of the rarest snake species in Nepal. In recent years, it has been occasionally spotted in the mid-hill regions, prompting discussions among herpetologists about the need for its conservation.

Although the King Cobra is among the most venomous snakes in the world, experts note that there have been no reports of it biting humans in Nepal. Out of the 82 snake species recorded in the country, the King Cobra population remains extremely low. The species preys mainly on other snakes, according to rescuer Nabin Poudel.

Fourteen years ago, a dead King Cobra was found in Phulbari, Butwal.

This year alone, Bishal Pandey’s team has rescued and safely relocated more than 400 venomous snakes—including 23 Common Cobras and six Russell’s Vipers—from various locations in Tilottama, Rupandehi.