Building Safer Communities through Snake Identification & Handling Training

November 8, 2024

Human-snake conflict is a significant challenge in Namibia’s Northcentral and Northwest regions, as highlighted during the National Human-Wildlife Conflict Conference held in Windhoek in May 2023. The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) responded to the call for action by organizing a specialized snake identification and handling course aimed at reducing injuries and fatalities caused by snake encounters. This training equipped participants with essential skills to safely manage snakes, an important step towards harmonious coexistence between communities and wildlife.

Training Details

Held on 24th and 25th January 2024, the snake identification and handling course took place at Namutoni’s Environmental Education Centre in Etosha National Park. Targeting conservancy game guards, MEFT staff, and representatives from Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR), the training originally planned for 32 participants. However, due to strong interest, 42 individuals joined the session, including 20 MEFT staff members, 3 NWR representatives, and 15 conservancy game guards, with an additional two project field coordinators. Notably, nine of the participants were women, highlighting the inclusivity of the initiative.

Course Structure and Key Learning Outcomes

The training was split over two days, with early morning sessions from 8:00 AM to midday to protect both participants and snakes from extreme heat. The course began with foundational knowledge of snake biology, venom types, and the symptoms of envenomation. This helped participants understand the creatures they might encounter in the wild. A hands-on experience followed, where participants interacted with nonvenomous snakes to acclimate to the sensation and movement of live snakes.

Key elements of the training included:

Snake Identification: Participants learned how to quickly distinguish between venomous and nonvenomous snakes, using a "five-finger" comparison technique to assess specific features.
First Aid for Snake Bites: Instructions on effective first aid responses were provided, emphasizing calm and immediate care.
Practical Handling: In a controlled environment, participants practiced handling techniques on two venomous snakes—a zebra spitting cobra and a young boomslang. These sessions allowed participants to gain practical experience and confidence in managing live snakes, simulating real-life situations where quick reactions are necessary.

a group of people walking down a dirt road — Figure 1: Practical session of handling and catching snakes

Practical Tools and Equipment

At the end of the training, participants received essential tools, including snake-catching tubes, snake sticks, and first aid kits. These resources are crucial for safe snake handling and transportation and will be vital in supporting future interactions in the field.

The training fostered an environment of learning, skill-building, and community safety. Participants left equipped with knowledge and hands-on experience, ready to contribute to safer communities and promote coexistence with Namibia's unique wildlife. This initiative is a valuable step toward reducing human-snake conflict and fostering harmonious interactions in the Northcentral and Northwest landscapes of Namibia.

The MEFT, in partnership with UNDP Namibia and funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), remains committed to empowering communities for safer, sustainable wildlife management in Namibia.