Cobra Capital! Know village with highest snake population; it's not in Odisha, Assam or Nagaland

Deep in the emerald folds of Karnataka's Western Ghats lies Agumbe, a rainforest village that has earned the title of India's snake capital. 

A tiny settlement, spread across just three square kilometres, stands in stark contrast to states like Odisha or Assam that are typically associated with snake encounters. Notably, what makes Agumbe truly extraordinary is its thriving population of king cobras, the world's longest venomous snakes, which have become the defining feature of this unique ecosystem.

Ideal Climatic Conditions

The village's transformation into a serpent haven can be attributed to its exceptional climatic conditions. Agumbe receives torrential rainfall exceeding 7,000 millimetres annually, earning it the nickname ‘Cherrapunji of the South.’

Constant precipitation, combined with year-round humidity levels hovering around 95 percent and average temperatures of 24 degrees Celsius, creates an ideal environment for cold-blooded reptiles.

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Further, the dense rainforest canopy provides perfect shelter while the abundant population of frogs, rodents and smaller snakes ensures a ready food supply.

A Biodiversity Hotspot

Beyond the king cobras, Agumbe shelters an astonishing array of biodiversity. The rainforest is home to over 300 species of medicinal plants, more than 200 bird varieties, including the Malabar hornbill, and rare melanistic leopards.

The area has also revealed four previously unknown species of fungi, all named after the village. The Malabar gliding frog, with its unique ability to parachute between trees, represents just one of the many amphibian marvels found here.

Local communities have developed an unexpected harmony with their slithering neighbours. Many villagers now protect king cobra nests in their backyards, affectionately referring to them as ‘Namma Kaalinga' (Our King Cobras).

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However, the ecosystem faces growing threats from climate change, habitat fragmentation, and increasing tourism pressure. Nevertheless, Agumbe stands as a powerful reminder of nature's wonders and the importance of preserving such unique ecosystems for future generations.