Snakes & Snakebite in Southern Africa

A comprehensive guide to identifying dangerous snakes in Southern Africa and providing first aid advice for snakebites.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 136 pages
Publication date: 01 April 2024
Publisher: Penguin Random House South Africa

A comprehensive guide to recognizing all hazardous snakes in the region, as well as several commonly encountered non-venomous snakes, Snakes and Snakebite in Southern Africa provides detailed information on the symptoms associated with bites and offers practical guidance on first aid measures.

Introduction:
Southern Africa is home to a diverse range of snake species, some of which can be dangerous to humans. It is essential to have a basic understanding of these snakes and their behavior to avoid potential encounters and ensure your safety. In this guide, we will cover the identification of all dangerous snakes in the region, as well as several commonly encountered harmless snakes.

Dangerous Snakes:
1. Black Mamba:
The Black Mamba is one of the most venomous snakes in the world and is native to Southern Africa. It has a long, slender body and a distinctive black and yellow coloration. The Black Mamba is highly aggressive and can strike rapidly, delivering a potent venom that can cause paralysis, respiratory failure, and death. It is commonly found in grasslands, savannas, and forests throughout Southern Africa.
2. Puff Adder:
The Puff Adder is a venomous snake found in Southern Africa. It has a small, triangular head and a body that is typically gray or brown. The Puff Adder is known for its aggressive behavior and is often found in rocky areas, such as mountains and deserts. Its venom is potent and can cause severe pain, swelling, and respiratory distress.
3. Cape Cobra:
The Cape Cobra is a venomous snake found in Southern Africa. It has a long, slender body and a hood that can be raised to reveal a bright yellow or orange color. The Cape Cobra is known for its aggressive behavior and is often found in grasslands, savannas, and forests. Its venom is potent and can cause paralysis, respiratory failure, and death.
4. Brown Snake:
The Brown Snake is a non-venomous snake found in Southern Africa. It has a brown or gray body and a distinctive pattern of black stripes. The Brown Snake is non-aggressive and is often found in gardens, parks, and homes. Its venom is not harmful to humans.

Harmless Snakes:
1. Pythons:
Pythons are large, non-venomous snakes found in Southern Africa. They have a long, slender body and a pattern of black and yellow or brown stripes. Pythons are commonly found in forests, savannas, and wetlands. They are known for their ability to swallow large prey, such as deer and antelope.
2. Grass Snakes:
Grass Snakes are non-venomous snakes found in Southern Africa. They have a long, slender body and a pattern of green or brown stripes. Grass Snakes are commonly found in gardens, parks, and homes. They are known for their ability to mimic the appearance of venomous snakes to deter predators.
3. Ringed Snakes:
Ringed Snakes are non-venomous snakes found in Southern Africa. They have a long, slender body and a pattern of black and yellow or brown stripes. Ringed Snakes are commonly found in grasslands, savannas, and forests. They are known for their ability to squeeze themselves into small spaces and are often mistaken for venomous snakes.

Symptoms of Snakebite:
1. Pain and Swelling:
The first symptom of a snakebite is typically pain and swelling at the site of the bite. The swelling can be severe and may cause snakes to restrict movement in the affected area.
2. Nausea and Vomiting:
Some individuals may experience nausea and vomiting after a snakebite. This is a common symptom of venomous snakebites and can be caused by the body's response to the venom.
3. Difficulty Breathing:
In some cases, individuals may experience difficulty breathing after a snakebite. This is a serious symptom and can be life-threatening. If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulty breathing after a snakebite, seek immediate medical attention.
4. Blurred Vision:
In some cases, individuals may experience blurred vision after a snakebite. This is a rare symptom but can be caused by the venom affecting the nerves in the eyes.
5. Confusion and Agitation:
In severe cases, individuals may experience confusion and agitation after a snakebite. This is a rare but serious symptom and can be caused by the venom affecting the brain.

First Aid Measures:
1. Stay Calm:
The first thing to do if you or someone you know is bitten by a snake is to stay calm. This will help to prevent further agitation and ensure that the individual receives the medical attention they need.
2. Remove Constrictive Clothing:
If the individual is wearing constrictive clothing, such as tight jeans or a belt, remove it immediately. This will help to reduce swelling and improve circulation to the affected area.
3. Call for Medical Help:
Call for medical help immediately if you or someone you know is bitten by a snake. Do not attempt to remove the venom or apply a tourniquet to the affected area. Medical professionals can administer the appropriate treatment and ensure that the individual receives the best possible care.
4. Keep the Victim Still:
Keep the individual still and calm until medical help arrives. This will help to prevent further movement and reduce the spread of venom.
5. Monitor Vital Signs:
Monitor the individual's vital signs, such as their pulse, breathing, and blood pressure, until medical help arrives. This will help to provide medical professionals with important information about the individual's condition.

Conclusion:
Southern Africa is home to a diverse range of snake species, some of which can be dangerous to humans. It is essential to have a basic understanding of these snakes and their behavior to avoid potential encounters and ensure your safety. By recognizing the dangerous snakes in the region and knowing the symptoms associated with bites, you can take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and others from snakebite. If you or someone you know is bitten by a snake, seek immediate medical attention and follow the recommended first aid measures to ensure the best possible outcome.

Weight: 276g
Dimension: 209 x 148 x 9 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781775848912
Edition number: 3 Revised edition