This village is called 'Cobra Capital of India/, has highest snake population in the country, name is..., located in...
Snakes are undoubtedly one of the most mysterious creatures in the world. They are a part of several cultures. In some cultures, these creatures represent evil and in others, they are worshipped like gods. In India, people worship these creatures. Especially cobras have a significant place in Hindu mythology. The Indian cobra is often associated with Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. Hindus celebrate Naga Panchami to honour snakes. However, these venomous serpents are among nature's deadliest hunters and they show no mercy on their prey.
Apart from myths and worships, there are some regions in India that are known for their high snake populations. One such place is located in Western Ghats of Karnataka. Agumbe Village
The small village covers 3 square km at an elevation of about 2,700 feet. It is also termed as the 'Cherrapunji of the South' because of its weather and heavy rainfalls. The village has a population of around 600 people. Agumbe is surrounded by dense rainforests, beautiful waterfalls and hills. All these make it a paradise for nature explorers. Rich Wildlife
Unique and rare fungi such as Meliola agumbensis, Tarenna agumbensis, Hygromaster agumbensis, and Dactylaria agumbensis are discovered here. All these discoveries are named after the village. Cobra Capital Of India
Agumbe is the house of the king cobra and it is the area's flagship species. In this village famous herpetologist Padma Shri Romulus Whitaker established the Agumbe Rainforest Research Station (ARRS). It is the place where the country's first radio telemetry project on king cobras was started. Herpetologists usually works in the field observing creatures in their natural habitats. They also observe their behaviour, physiology, genetics, and evolution.
Notably, Herpetologists play a crucial role in conservation efforts, especially for endangered species.
The king cobra, the world's longest venomous snake, plays an important role in maintaining ecological balance. As a top predator, it mainly feeds on other snakes—including dangerous ones like kraits and cobras. This helps keep the snake population under control, which in turn supports a healthy food chain. Without predators like the king cobra, certain snake species could grow in number too quickly, potentially leading to issues like habitat degradation, spread of disease, or shortage of food for other animals.
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