Part 3: The King Cobra, ARRS, and a Conservation Awakening
Previously in Part 2: From observing vibrant frogs to encountering pit vipers and cicadas during a night walk, I began to understand the depth and magic of Agumbe’s biodiversity, especially after a relaxing nature drive into the wild.
In this part, the rainforest introduces its true sovereign - and the heroes of ARRS working tirelessly to protect it.
Before I jump into the core, I want to add something that helped enjoy my stay at ARRS. It’s the delicious food 😊The food at ARRS was nothing short of delightful - simple, soulful, and exactly what one craves after a long walk in the woods. But what truly stole my heart was the filter coffee. As a passionate coffee lover, the coffee I had at ARRS was strong, aromatic, and deeply comforting, especially in the misty Agumbe mornings.
The meals were just as memorable - nourishing and delicious, served with warmth. I made it a point to personally thank the cook, whom I fondly called ‘Anna’. Though I regret not catching his name, his kindness and culinary magic made a lasting impression.
The ARRS Station
Learning about the King: A Session on Cobras
Later in the day, Rithan took center stage, delivering a session that was nothing short of electrifying. The topic? The King Cobra—the monarch of the rainforest. And with every word he spoke, the forest outside seemed to lean in, as if listening to the tale of its most majestic resident.
Among all the reptilian wonders that call Agumbe home, the King Cobra reigns supreme—not just for its size, but for its sheer presence. There's a charisma to this creature, a quiet dominance that doesn’t demand fear, but commands respect.
Known to grow up to 18 feet in length, it holds the title of the longest venomous snake in the world. But contrary to popular fear-mongering, Rithan painted a portrait of a serpent not driven by aggression, but by purpose, precision, and astonishing intelligence. These are not mindless predators—they are sensitive, calculated, and surprisingly docile, avoiding confrontation unless provoked.
Even its name, Ophiophagus hannah, speaks volumes. Literally meaning “snake-eater,” the King Cobra feeds primarily on other snakes, including some of the most venomous species like kraits. It is a predator of predators—a symbol of balance and mastery in the food chain.
Rithan’s deep reverence for this magnificent reptile was contagious. He didn’t just speak about the King Cobra—he told its story, unveiling layers of behavior, territorial instincts, mating rituals, and even its unique nesting habits, which are rare among snakes. I was captivated to learn how a female King Cobra actually builds a nest—a feat of engineering using leaves and debris—and fiercely guards it until her eggs hatch.
There was something mythic about it all. As if this creature, often misunderstood and feared, was actually the quiet guardian of the rainforest—a symbol of evolution’s finest work.
For many wildlife enthusiasts, spotting a King Cobra in the wild is a dream. And Agumbe, with its dense, snake-rich ecosystem, is one of the few places in the world where that dream might just come true.
But even without a direct sighting, listening to Rithan speak was enough. It was as if the King itself had slithered into the room—not in flesh, but in spirit—reminding us that the forest is alive with wisdom older than time, and that the true kings do not conquer, they coexist.
During the session, I also had the chance to clarify some of my long-held questions—about male combat behavior, intricate reproductive rituals, and the lesser-known aspects of nesting in King Cobras. Each answer unveiled yet another fascinating layer of this enigmatic reptile. But what has especially piqued my curiosity now is the life of the juveniles—their diet, their survival instincts, and how they navigate the complex world they’re born into. I’ve only scratched the surface, and I’m eager to learn more.
Preserving the Pulse of the Rainforest – ARRS in Action
Yet beneath all this scientific wonder lies a growing concern—the King Cobra is now listed as a vulnerable species, its numbers dwindling due to rampant habitat destruction and human encroachment. Forests once filled with their presence are being razed, leaving them with shrinking territories, more frequent encounters with humans, and fewer safe places to nest.
In the face of this, conservation is no longer a choice—it is a responsibility.
At the forefront of this effort is the Agumbe Rainforest Research Station (ARRS), a beacon of hope for these majestic creatures. Founded with the vision of protecting Agumbe’s rich biodiversity, ARRS has become a sanctuary not just for the King Cobra, but for countless species that rely on this ecosystem.
Through years of dedicated research, ARRS has led groundbreaking work—tracking King Cobras using radio telemetry, studying their breeding and nesting behaviors, and even exploring how climate change affects reptilian activity. These aren't just academic pursuits; they are lifelines for future conservation strategies.
What deeply moved me was how ARRS extends its mission beyond science—educating local communities, promoting coexistence, and working to reduce human-animal conflict. The King Cobra is not just a species to be studied; it is a symbol, a reminder of what we stand to lose if we continue to sever our ties with nature.
Some of ARRS's most notable contributions to herpetology have even shaped national conservation policy, through detailed field studies and published research that give voice to the silent world of reptiles.
To walk through Agumbe’s rain-soaked trails is to walk through a living classroom—where every vine, every call, every slither carries a lesson. And the biggest lesson of all?
That protection begins with understanding. That awe must lead to action.
The Cobra Rescue: Witnessing ARRS TEAM in Action
One of the most unforgettable moments during my time in Agumbe came when I had the rare opportunity to witness a snake resce ops. By the ARRS team led by Ajay Giri—a seasoned herpetologist and an expert in snake rescue—in action.
Listening to his stories was impressive in itself—each tale filled with insight, compassion, and years of experience working with some of India’s most misunderstood creatures. But nothing quite compares to seeing his work firsthand.
We accompanied him on a rescue mission in a nearby village, where a cobra had been spotted. There was a quiet urgency in the air, yet Ajay’s demeanor remained calm, focused, and deeply respectful—towards both the people and the animal.
The rescue was nothing short of poetry in motion. Meticulously planned, flawlessly executed—the entire process, from locating the snake to safely guiding it into a rescue bag, took barely 20 to 30 seconds. No chaos. No harm. Just skill, empathy, and years of earned trust between man and serpent.
The rescue strategy, as demonstrated by the experts at ARRS, was remarkably simple yet highly effective—a masterclass in precision, patience, and respect for the animal.
It begins with identifying the exact location of the snake, based on input from the local reporter—usually a resident or a concerned villager. Once on site, the rescuer first assesses the environment: spotting potential obstacles, exit routes, or nearby hiding spots in case the snake attempts to flee. Every detail is considered with calm calculation.
Next, the rescue bag is positioned carefully, often fitted with a wide PVC guiding pipe to create a safe and smooth entry point. Any obstructing materials are quietly cleared, maintaining minimal disturbance to the snake.
Then comes the most critical part—the capture. The snake is not yanked or forced. Instead, it is patiently guided, with deliberate, gentle movements, toward the bag. Most often, the snake enters the bag on its own, sensing the enclosed space as a temporary refuge.
Once secured, the bag is tied safely—but the rescue doesn’t end there.
The second half of the mission involves something equally important: community education. The rescuers take time to explain the species, its behavior, and most importantly, the importance of co-existence.
Ajay didn’t just leave with the cobra. He stayed back along with Rithan + other volunteers of the ARRS, engaging with the local community, speaking with villagers about the importance of co-existence. Some frightened, others curious—but heed to what the team were trying to educate them. Ajay, Rithan and the volunteers explained how snakes are not intruders, but essential parts of the ecosystem. How fear can be replaced with understanding. How compassion can replace conflict.
Watching all this unfold was nothing short of transformative. It wasn’t just a rescue mission—it was a moment of connection, a moment that stitched humans and nature a little closer together.
If required, the snake is then briefly examined to assess species, health, size, and other scientific details—valuable data that contributes to long-term conservation work. Only then is the animal carefully released back into a suitable habitat, away from human settlements.
As I stood there, watching the cobra slither safely into the rescue bag, hearing Ajay speak to the villagers with such calm conviction, I felt something shift within me. This wasn’t just about wildlife anymore—it was about people, perception, and the power of awareness.
That moment stayed with me—not just for the thrill of witnessing a cobra rescue, but for the quiet revolution it represented. A revolution of empathy, education, and harmony.
“From research to rescue, I had witnessed the guardians of Agumbe in action. But before I left this forest behind, there was still one chapter left to experience—one that would celebrate not just the creatures, but the entire ecosystem they call home.”
(Continue to Part 4: Agumbe’s Biodiversity – A Throne in the Western Ghats)