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Officials celebrate ambitious return of apex predator to the wild: 'A shining example of what's possible'

"This initiative highlights the power of grassroots collaboration."

"This initiative highlights the power of grassroots collaboration."

Photo Credit: iStock

Thirty juvenile king cobras now roam free in Indian forests after wildlife teams and villagers joined forces to protect their breeding grounds in Andhra Pradesh, reported India New England News.

The conservation effort unfolded in North Andhra's Paderu Forest region, where indigenous groups partnered with state forest agencies to watch over cobra egg-laying sites.

Village members took active roles in guarding locations where these at-risk serpents reproduce, demonstrating that local participation can enhance wildlife protection.

A proud moment for Andhra Pradesh! 30 King Cobra hatchlings were successfully released into the Eastern Ghats β€” a first-of-its-kind, community-led conservation initiative in our state. This reflects the power of collaboration between local communities, NGOs, and the Forest Department. Under the visionary leadership of Hon'ble PM Shri Narendra Modi ji, Hon'ble Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shri Bhupender Yadav BJP ji and Hon'ble CM Shri Nara Chandrababu Naidu garu, Andhra Pradesh continues to make bold strides in inclusive, science-based wildlife conservation. Heartfelt congratulations to Sri A.K. Naik garu (PCCF & HoFF), Sri S.S. Sridhar garu (CWLW), the dedicated frontline staff, and the Eastern Ghats Wildlife Society (EGWS) for this pioneering effort. This success sets the stage for the next big step β€” a proposed 2,400-hectare King Cobra Sanctuary in the Eastern Ghats. Once notified, it would be the first of its kind in the world, placing AP at the forefront of species-specific conservation. Let this be a model of what can be achieved when communities and conservation go hand in hand. β€” Pawan Kalyan PMO India Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Government of India Andhra Pradesh CM Press Information Bureau - PIB, Government of India I & PR Andhra Pradesh Press Information Bureau, Vijayawada Eastern Ghats Wildlife Society #KingCobra #EasternGhats #APForests #WildlifeProtection #CommunityConservation

Posted by Deputy CMO, Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday, July 30, 2025

This collaborative approach benefits both humans and nature. Communities that safeguard animals like king cobras receive job opportunities and build deeper bonds with their surroundings, while the serpents manage rodent populations that otherwise destroy food crops and carry illnesses.

Indigenous peoples who have coexisted with these reptiles across centuries contributed essential insights about snake habits and territory requirements. Their participation turned a potential government-only effort into a village-powered achievement.

Farmers benefit directly from king cobra protection through chemical-free pest management. These predators naturally limit rodent numbers, cutting crop losses and eliminating costly pesticide purchases. Participating villages also benefit from educational programs tied to conservation employment.

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This accomplishment has inspired bigger ambitions. State leaders revealed plans for a massive protected zone spanning thousands of hectares in the Eastern Ghats mountains. Once created, it would stand as Earth's inaugural refuge explicitly built for this snake species.

The positive results have encouraged conservation agencies to broaden village participation elsewhere. Officials are establishing messaging groups with residents in areas where elephants travel. This way, they relay immediate updates to avoid dangerous encounters.

This community-centered approach could inspire comparable programs throughout India and internationally.

"This initiative highlights the power of grassroots collaboration," Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan posted on X. "It's a shining example of what's possible when communities are empowered to take part in conservation."

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