Mithila Wildlife Trust (MWT) announces the suspension of all direct snake rescue and management services, effective immediately.
Since 2069 B.S. (2012–13), MWT has played an active role in snake rescue and management in Nepal. Through the safe rescue of snakes found in human settlements, the Trust has consistently worked to reduce human–snake conflict, promote public safety, and support the conservation of these ecologically important animals.
Under Nepal’s current legal framework, the rescue and management of snakes found in human settlements outside national parks and wildlife reserves fall under the responsibility of the relevant Division Forest Office, local government bodies, and security agencies. Encouragingly, there are now positive examples of these government institutions effectively carrying out snake rescue and management work.
As both government and non-government organisations have been undertaking similar work, there is a growing risk of duplication of services. In recognition of legal provisions, institutional responsibilities, and the need to avoid duplication, Mithila Wildlife Trust has made sustained efforts to complete the necessary legal process in coordination with concerned authorities, however, these efforts have not yet reached the expected conclusion.
Therefore, in respect of Nepal’s existing legal framework and to prevent duplication of responsibilities, Mithila Wildlife Trust has decided to suspend all direct snake rescue and management services from today.
This decision does not mean that MWT is stepping away from snake conservation or capacity-building. The Trust remains committed to supporting the development of skilled snake-rescue personnel, strengthening institutional capacity, and providing technical assistance. Upon request from relevant government agencies, local governments, or security bodies—and subject to the availability of financial arrangements—MWT will continue to provide technical support and training.
We believe that strengthening the capacity of responsible government agencies will help ensure that citizens receive sustainable, systematic, and accountable services over the long term. This approach will ultimately benefit communities, public safety, and wildlife conservation across Nepal.
Community members are kindly requested to contact the relevant Division Forest Office, the disaster-management section of their local government, or the nearest security agency if a snake is found in a human settlement.
MWT also respectfully requests organisations, websites, and mobile applications that list Mithila Wildlife Trust as a snake rescue service provider to remove or update that information accordingly.
Thanking you all for understanding the circumstances.
