The African Snakebite Institute has warned that snakes are still out and about looking for food.
Luckily for the public, the Institute has introduced a snake identification app which is free. It is said to be a world first for the identification of southern African snakes.
Considering Rand West City has many plots, farms and agricultural land within its boundaries, it might not be a bad idea to download the app.
According to Ashley Kemp, Manager of the African Snakebite Institute, together with the free ASI Snakes app, which has reached close on 100 000 downloads, the additional online course (not free) will boost knowledge and awareness of southern African snakes, and contribute significantly to their conservation.
“We actually see an increase in snake activity now, just before winter as the snakes are out looking for food to fatten up for their winter (officially from June) hibernation.
For puff adders on the highveld this is the beginning of their mating season, so we’ve noted a number of sightings.
“The eight-part course covers groups of snakes that are those tricky to identify; frequently encountered; medically important; as well as sections on common garden snakes, the deadly dozen, small black snakes, green snakes and a variety of other snakes. In-depth information, informative imagery and distribution maps are provided for each species.”
