Free app allows you to identify any snake you come across in SA

A free app that covers the essentials of first aid treatment for snakebites had been launched by the African Snakebite Institute in conjunction with Johan Marais, an internationally renowned herpetologist and author.

First aid for snakebite is problematic, largely because of all the myths and incorrect or outdated information that do the rounds. While sound advice is given in books like Snakes and Snakebite in Southern Africa, few people have access to such publications.

The app covers the essentials of first aid treatment for snakebite. The advice is concise, accurate and simple to follow and understand. It also includes emergency contact numbers for snakebite incidences.

The medical treatment of snakebite is also covered and gives medical doctors quick and easy access to the published snakebite treatment protocols. These publications cover the diagnosis and treatment of snakebite, including the use of antivenom.

For unwanted snakes in houses, gardens and business premises, the app lists over 450 snake removers countrywide, divided into specific areas. To search and find a snake remover in your area is incredibly simple.

Should anyone encounter a snake and need it identified, a feature allows anyone to quickly submit a photograph for positive identification.

And there is also a section where you can see the local snake species in your area, which helps with identification.

The African Snakebite Institute runs a very popular Facebook page (African Snakebite Institute https://www.facebook.com/AfricanSnakebiteInstituteOfficial) as well as the Facebook Group, Snakes of South Africa (https://www.facebook.com/groups/snakesofsouthafrica).

The app will give a greater number of people the chance to educate themselves about these misunderstood creatures. It’s a free download, and once accessed the first time, the information will stay accessible on your phone – even if you don’t have an internet connection while out in the bush.

The app also has snake profiles of common snakes in Southern Africa. Each profile has four colour photographs, a distribution map and a short section on a snake species to assist with identification.

This free app has had over 20 000 downloads in the first three months. To download the app, go to https://www.africansnakebiteinstitute.com/app