What is the World Congress on Snakes 2026?

The World Congress on Snakes 2026 (WCS 2026) is the first-ever international conference dedicated exclusively to snake research, conservation, and education. It will be held October 1-4, 2026, in Kandy, Sri Lanka, bringing together leading ophiologists, herpetologists, and conservationists from around the world.

When and where is WCS 2026 taking place?

WCS 2026 will take place from October 1-4, 2026, at the Grand Kandyan Hotel in Kandy, Sri Lanka. Kandy is a UNESCO World Heritage city and a biodiversity hotspot.

What topics will be covered at the congress?

The congress will cover snake ecology, conservation, phylogeny, behavior, systematics, taxonomy, snakebite management, venomology, illegal wildlife trade, and human-wildlife coexistence. It includes keynote speeches, symposia, workshops, Sri Lanka & it's Herpetofaunas, and field trips.

Who should attend WCS 2026?

WCS 2026 is ideal for ophiologists, herpetologists, conservation biologists, researchers, students, wildlife practitioners, medical professionals working with snakebites, and anyone passionate about snake conservation and research.

How can I register for the congress?

You can register online through our website at https://www.worldsnakes26.com/registration/register-submit. Early bird registration offers discounted rates.

Workshops & Meetings

Special Training & Events

Congress Workshops & Meetings

Participate in specialized, hands-on training sessions and official meetings led by leading herpetologists and conservation experts.

Official Pre-Congress Training Programme of WCS 2026

Limited Intake — 20 Seats Available

Pre-Congress Residential Workshop

4-Day Residential Workshop on Snake Systematics & Evolution

"From Field Encounters to Systematics, Evolution, Publication, Presentation, and Conservation"

Dates: 25–28 September 2026

Venue: University of Colombo & National Museums of Colombo, Sri Lanka

Eligibility: Students, researchers & practitioners

Fee: LKR 10,000 (~USD 30) per participant

4-Day Residential Workshop on Snake Systematics & Evolution

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Workshop Highlights

Snake identification & comparative morphology

Taxonomy & zoological nomenclature

Integrative taxonomy & species delimitation

Molecular systematics & phylogenetics

Museum curation & biodiversity documentation

Scientific writing, presentation & public speaking skills

Package Includes

Lectures & study materials

Hands-on practical sessions

Guided field trip & museum visit

3x Breakfasts, 4x Lunches, 3x Dinners

3x Nights shared basic accommodation*

Certificate of Completion

* Accommodation is included for 25, 26, 27 Sept 2026; Participants are encouraged to bring their own sleeping mat / sleeping bag for greater comfort.

Workshop Experts & Instructors

Prof. Sampath S. SeneviratneDr. A. A. Thasun AmarasingheDr. Kanishka D. B. UkuwelaDr. Ruchira SomaweeraMr. D. M. S. Suranjan KarunarathnaMr. L. J. Mendis WickramasingheMs. Ravindi MenikramaMr. Thusila Edirisinghe

How to Register:

Send a brief 1-page CV directly to thasun.taprobanica@gmail.com

⚠️ Limited to 20 participants — Early application recommended!

Email CV to Register

Main Congress Workshops & Specialist Meetings

Workshops

IUCN Green Listing Workshop

3rd October 2026 (Day 3)

08:30 AM - 17:30 PM

Workshop Overview

"A comprehensive workshop on the IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas, providing hands-on training and guidance on the global standard for effective area-based conservation."

Workshop Facilitators

Melissa Bruton & Daniel Natusch

Meetings

IUCN SSC Snake Specialist Group Meeting

2nd October 2026 (Day 2)

10:30 AM - 17:30 PM

Meeting Overview

"An official gathering of the IUCN SSC Snake Specialist Group to discuss global conservation strategies, red listing updates, and collaborative research initiatives for snake species worldwide."

General Workshop Inquiries

Workshops are open to registered congress participants and specialized applicants. Some sessions have strict seat limits. For general inquiries, please contact us at admin@worldsnakes26.com