Venomous critters in Roodepoort

There are about 22 species of snakes that call the Roodepoort area home. Of these, fewer than 10 are venomous, and even fewer are medically significant to humans and pets. That is not to mention the host of other venomous and poisonous critters that reside in the vicinity.

Venomous animals reside all around us and though most are quite adept at surviving in our gardens and even our homes, they thrive best in natural areas. Some are venomous and some are poisonous – yes, there is a difference.

Friends of Kloofendal will be hosting a Kloofendal Venom Day event on March 2, where participants will be introduced to the venomous critters commonly found in the Roodepoort region.

Kloofendal Nature Reserve is a sanctuary for many venomous animals. Numerous species of snakes, spiders, scorpions, bees, and wasps inhabit the reserve. Friends Of Kloofendal hosts monthly events that focus on these groups of animals.

The event will be hosted by best-selling author, award-winning conservationist, and internationally renowned speaker, Jonathan Leeming, and will take the form of a question-and-answer session, where participants may forward relevant questions regarding venomous animals and their bites and stings to Jonathan beforehand. The submitted questions will then be used to direct the discussion.

“Anything venom-related goes,” said Jonathan. “From bites and stings to how venom works, the availability of antivenom and its manufacture, first aid for any bite or sting, allergic reactions to venom, biotechnology, the latest research, and more.”

As one of the leading experts in spider and scorpion bites and stings, and venom first response in the country, Jonathan possesses vast knowledge of poisonous and venomous animals. He has assisted medical professionals and organisations, consulting for poison helplines and acting as a panel member and presenter for medical conferences for more than 15 years.

“Even outside of the reserve, certain venomous animals thrive in the urban environment, taking advantage of the shelters that we provide when we build our homes and landscape our gardens,” he said.

“Animals such as Brown Button Spiders, Sac Spiders, Lessor Thick-Tail Scorpions, Herald Snakes, and Night Adders all thrive within the urban landscape.

“Even though these creatures live close to us, bites and stings are not common. For these animals, venom is a last defence which they only use as a last resort. Venomous animals have entertained and captured our imagination since the dawn of mankind. Venomous animals represent a conundrum to the human mind. They can inflict trauma and in rare instances, death. Yet at the same time, they support the very systems that give us life. How do we, or how can we, reconcile and come to terms with this dichotomy?”

If you are curious about the common poisonous and venomous critters that inhabit your local veld, home, and garden, why not join Jonathan for an entertaining and informative talk that is sure to answer all your burning questions?

Visit www.KloofendalFriends.org.za for a link to online bookings. Forward your event queries to Jonathan by email at info@JonathanLeeming.com.