In a shocking finding, during the previous month, nine king cobras and one monocled cobra—generally located in tropical lowlands—were sighted in and around Kathmandu, which is only 160 kilometers from Mount Everest. King Cobras were spotted near Everest, and experts attribute these uncommon sightings in the colder Himalayan region of Nepal to climate change, indicating wider ecological changes and increased threats to public safety. The existence of these poisonous snakes, which include the king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah), the longest poisonous snake in the world, in cities like Bhanjyang, Gupaleshwar, Sokhol, and Phoolchowk has alarmed both locals and scientists.
Climate Change Drives Snake Migration
Scientists attribute the snakes’ existence in high-altitude Kathmandu to the mountain parts of Nepal warming at a pace of 0.05°C annually, quicker than that of the lowland Terai region. A herpetologist said that warmer microclimates enable tropical species to thrive at higher elevations, citing this as a “warning sign” of the far-reaching effects of climate change. Initially, from humid paddy fields and mangrove forests in India and Southeast Asia, the king cobra and monocled cobra (Naja kaouthia) now appear in cooler climates. Locals also reported snake nests and eggs, indicating possible breeding in the area. The leading cause is climate change, even if rescue instructor Subodh Acharya proposed that snakes may have been inadvertently brought from the Terai in haystacks or timber.
Public Safety and Ecological Risks
With snakes showing up in homes and courtyards, the sightings have caused panic in Kathmandu’s residential areas. According to health ministry data, the Terai region of Nepal already has a serious snakebite epidemic, with 2,700 snakebite deaths each year, mainly impacting women and children. As habitats change, the presence of king cobras in cooler metropolitan areas increases worries about confrontation between humans and wildlife. The snakes have been moved to forests by rescue crews, but their potential to breed in these unfamiliar settings could worsen matters. Experts caution that these occurrences can increase frequently if nothing is done, endangering community safety and biodiversity.
Urgent Call for Action
Experts are calling for quick action to combat climate change and track changes in biodiversity. A researcher told The Kathmandu Post, “This is a manifestation of ecological disturbance rather than an isolated event.” Growing public concern and demands for more robust conservation initiatives are reflected in social media posts, including those made by individuals such as @NepalWildlife on X. King Cobras were spotted near Everest, and the historic discovery highlights the urgent need for international climate action to lessen ecological disruptions and safeguard populations from new dangers as Nepal struggles with rising temperatures.
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