Overview

Snakebite deaths are preventable but common in Madhesh. A 2022 Lancet study estimated 2,700 annual deaths in the Terai – about 1,080 likely in Madhesh. Vulnerable groups, especially women and children in village huts, are at high risk during monsoon season when snakes seek higher ground.

Discrimination against Madheshi people is even seen in snakebite provision. Although 82% of snakebites happen in the Terai, 84% of treatment centres are in northern Nepal. And of the 24 snakebite centres run by the army and government, only six are fully functional – mainly due to lack of trained staff.

location

Nepal

category

Madhesh Province

The Mithila Wildlife Trust (MWT) rescues snakes that enter villages and towns, returning them safely to the wild. They also raise awareness about snakebite risks, humane snake handling, and the ‘Golden Hour’ – the first hour after a venomous bite, when antivenom is most effective. Sadly, delays that arise from visiting traditional healers often prove fatal. Snake rescues draw crowds and double as powerful education moments.

In 2024, Pipal Tree began backing MWT’s rescue and education work with a major grant from UK donor The Jean Sainsbury Animal Welfare Trust, followed by a second grant in 2025. A successful pilot training in January 2025 drew 35 participants and showed strong demand for more.

Our goals

We now seek further funding to help MWT:

  • Train and equip 18 snake rescuers – one per municipality in Dhanusha District – to carry out rescues and spread awareness of the ‘Golden Hour’ through health workers, officials, and communities.
  • Train healthcare professionals across Madhesh Province in effective snakebite treatment, so all centres are properly staffed and avoid dangerous antivenom errors.
  • Launch a public poster campaign and the first-ever Golden Hour Snake Festival in late 2025 to raise awareness and help fund the rescue programme long term.

Our ultimate goal is to expand this work to all eight Districts in Madhesh – saving lives, protecting snakes, and tackling deep-rooted inequality.

We will expand this programme across the Terai using Will donations. Just one more way that you can help us save precious lives in south Nepal. For further guidance, just email Philip.

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