Protecting wildlife.
Restoring nature.
MWT is a community-led conservation organisation working across the southern plains of Nepal. Since 2013, we have brought people, wildlife and place together to create a healthier future for all three.
Conservation beyond park boundaries.
Mithila Wildlife Trust is a member-based, not-for-profit organisation working primarily in Madhesh Province.
Much of Nepal’s wildlife lives outside official protected areas, often in forests, wetlands and working landscapes cared for by local communities. MWT works alongside those communities to protect habitats, reduce conflict and help wildlife and people live safely together.
A practical belief in shared responsibility.
Our work connects climate resilience, wildlife protection, nature restoration and a better future for communities that are too often overlooked.
Our vision
A climate-resilient southern Nepal where thriving ecosystems and wildlife coexist with empowered, prosperous, and inclusive communities.
Our mission
To empower local communities to restore ecosystems, conserve wildlife, and build climate-resilient livelihoods in southern Nepal through inclusive, community-led conservation, environmental education, habitat restoration, and wildlife rescue and rehabilitation.
Our goal
To foster a climate-resilient southern Nepal by conserving biodiversity, restoring degraded habitats, and promoting compassionate human–wildlife coexistence, while empowering marginalized local communities through sustainable livelihoods, environmental education, and collaborative nature-based solutions.
Conservation starts with people who care.
“When communities have the knowledge and support to care for nature, conservation becomes something they can truly own.”
When I returned to Nepal in 2013, I brought together people who wanted to protect wildlife, restore forests, support families and help communities through difficult times. Since then, MWT has worked with local organisations, youth clubs and community leaders to turn that shared concern into practical action.
There is still much to do. I invite you to stand with us for a future where people and wildlife can live together with dignity.
Dev Narayan Mandal · FounderFour ways we turn care into action.
MWT brings together field knowledge, local leadership and practical support. Each part of our work strengthens the others.
Wildlife
Rescue, rehabilitation, species protection and safer coexistence between people and animals.
Habitats
Restore forests, wetlands and river landscapes so wildlife has room to survive and move.
Education
Share knowledge through schools, workshops, skills training and community awareness.
Communities
Support local groups, livelihoods and humanitarian needs so conservation can last.
From rescue to restoration.
Our programmes respond to the real needs of people, wildlife and habitats across the Terai.
Wildlife rescue and coexistence
MWT rescues and rehabilitates snakes, lizards, turtles, birds, deer, blue bulls, pangolins and other wildlife. After treatment and care, animals are released into safe, suitable habitats.
We also run snakebite awareness workshops and support communities to respond to wildlife encounters with knowledge rather than fear.
- Snake conservation
- Freshwater turtles
- Birds and birdwatching
- Pangolins and wild cats
Forests, wetlands and wildlife habitat
At Dhanushadham Protection Forest, MWT supports the recovery of a once-degraded Terai landscape. The 360-hectare forest is important habitat for chital, sloth bears, striped hyenas, leopards and many other species.
We also help restore wetlands, including the Dhanush Dah pond, and support planting, fencing, watering, weeding and mulching in the Chure landscape.
Education that opens possibilities
Conservation grows stronger when people have opportunity. MWT supports children’s education, works to reduce dropout and encourages girls’ attendance and safer futures.
We also help people build livelihoods through vocational training rooted in local knowledge—from Mithila painting and handicrafts to sewing, cutting and small social enterprises.
Communities at the centre
Local people are not only beneficiaries of conservation—they are its strongest leaders. MWT works with Community Forest User Groups, local organisations, youth clubs and community leaders to build stewardship and agency.
Our support also extends to humanitarian response. During the Covid-19 crisis, MWT reached 18,000 vulnerable families across 17 districts, alongside wider disaster-relief work.
Small actions become lasting change when people lead together.
The figures below reflect milestones described in MWT’s work and show the connection between conservation and community support.
Nature, culture and livelihoods belong together.
Through sustainable tourism and the Explore Mithila initiative, visitors can discover forests, wetlands, wildlife, local knowledge, indigenous products and the many cultural traditions of the region.
Come closer to the place we protect.
Birdwatching, hiking, tree identification, wildlife watching, community visits and cultural performances create a more respectful way to experience the Terai.
A safer future for wildlife begins with all of us.
Learn more about MWT’s projects, read our field resources or find a way to stand with communities working to protect nature.
