SCAN - Snake Conservation Association of Namibia

05/03/2025

In this thrilling video, watch as we tackle the challenge of removing a dangerous boomslang that’s been raiding a bird's nest. Known for their elusive nature and potent venom, boomslangs are not to be underestimated. Join us as we carefully navigate this tricky rescue operation, ensuring both the safety of the snake and the surrounding community.

In this intense and thrilling video, watch as we tackle the challenge of removing a dangerous boomslang that’s been raiding a bird's nest. Known for their el...

05/03/2025

Urgent Update: Antivenom Availability in Namibia & South Africa

We understand there's growing concern regarding antivenom shortages, particularly stemming from the current crisis in South Africa. This situation directly impacts Namibia, as we've historically relied on South African-produced antivenom.

The Namibia Snakebite Interest Group recognized potential issues as early as 2019, when we began experiencing difficulties procuring these vital products. This foresight has allowed us to mitigate the current situation.

Current Antivenom Availability in Namibia:

We currently have a stock of Premium Serums antivenom, a WHO-approved product with a strong track record of effectiveness against most venomous snakes found in our region.

We currently have over 300 vials of antivenom in country.

Most hospitals in Namibia maintain stock of this antivenom.

There is NO need to panic.

Important Considerations:

Premium Serums antivenom does not cover scorpion or spider envenomation. This remains a significant challenge, and we are actively exploring alternative solutions.

The antivenom crisis in South Africa is the result of severe mismanagement of South African vaccine producers by the South African government.

We have been hearing empty promises of improvement for over four years, and the situation shows little sign of resolution.

Our Commitment:

The Namibia Snakebite Interest Group is dedicated to ensuring the availability of effective antivenom for our communities. We are continuously monitoring the situation and working to secure alternative sources.

We urge everyone to remain vigilant and prioritize snakebite prevention. If you encounter a snakebite, seek immediate medical attention and contact those with a proven track record in management of snakebite, unfortunately not all doctors have the knowledge or experience in dealing with snakebite!

We will continue to provide updates as the situation evolves.

23/02/2025

"Deadly Precision: The Mamba Removal" takes you behind the scenes of a professional and precise wildlife operation. In this video, we showcase the careful approach taken to safely remove a highly venomous mamba from an area, ensuring both the safety of the animal and the people.

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In this intense video, we receive a call from a small holding 80km north of Windhoek. A Large black mamba entered a rabbit enclosure and had just eaten a sma...

22/02/2025

Bitis arietans-Puff Adder from Kuzikus Wildlife Reserve

Puff Adders are stubby, thick set snakes, brown to dark grey on top with a series of backward pointing V-shaped patterns. The head is triangular shaped and distinctive from the rest of the body.

Puff Adders are shy, ground dwelling snakes that are active mainly at night, although they can be seen basking in the sun during the day. They are well cameoflaged and tend to be a bush hunters, lying still for days waiting for prey to pass by.

When harassed or threatened, this snake will often inflate its body and let out a series of loud hisses and pull back the neck its neck to ready itsslef for a strike.

The venom severely damages tissue and causes severe pain, swelling and discoloration. I bite may lead to the loss of a limb and even death if not treated. Anti-venom is available for this species and should be administered.

16/02/2025

In our latest video, we carefully captured a Zebra Spitting Cobra for important scientific research. This fascinating species plays a vital role in understanding wildlife, and we’re proud to contribute to conservation and scientific knowledge

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In this incredible video, a team of researchers descends down a steep embankment to capture one of Namibia's most feared snakes, the infamous zebra Cobra. ...

13/02/2025

Aspidelaps lubricus cowlesi-Kunene Coral Snake from Hobatere

Kunene coral snakes are grey to redish brown with distinct crossbars and have a white belly with black blotches on the throat area. There are also darker forms with no crossbars. The shield on the nose is much smaller than that of the speckled shield nosed snake

They spend much of their lives underground, coming out at night to forage for food after heavy rainfall.

When threatened, they spread a small, narrow hood and strike out repeatedly, often hissing loudly. Bites from this species is life threatening and urgent medical attention is required.

11/02/2025

Namibiana labialis-Damara Thread Snake from Hobatare.

These snakes have a cylindrical body with a blunt head,while the tail is very short and not distinct from the head and the rest of the body the vary from black to pink in colour.

They sound most of their lives underground and emerge on warm summer nights, usually after heavy rainfall

Thread snakes are harmless and mainly feed on ants and their larvae.

23/01/2025

Recently, we had the opportunity to safely remove a puff adder from a property, and it serves as a great reminder about the realities of snake removals versus what we often see on TV. Many wildlife shows love to dramatize snake rescues, making them seem like intense, high-risk standoffs where the snake must always be restrained behind the head. In reality, this is not only unnecessary in most cases, but it’s also a dangerous practice.

When handling snakes like the puff adder, the key to a safe removal is patience and the proper tools. Restraining the snake behind its head is often not required and could result in injury to both the snake and the handler. The majority of the time, snakes can be safely guided into a secure container without any need for this risky action.

It's important to remember that the goal is to move the snake safely and humanely, not to create unnecessary drama. So, the next time you see a snake removal on your favorite wildlife show, remember that real-life professionals use calm and care, not flashy stunts, to ensure both the snake and the handler stay safe.

19/01/2025

The Ineffectiveness of Snake Repellents: A Closer Look at What You're Really Buying

Snake repellents, whether traditional or commercial, promise to keep these reptiles at bay—but the truth is, they don’t work. Despite their widespread availability, both in stores and online, these products are largely based on unproven claims rather than any scientific evidence.

Manufacturers and retailers rely heavily on people's fear of snakes to drive sales, making grand claims about their ability to deter snakes from yards, gardens, and properties. However, there is little to no scientific research supporting the effectiveness of these products. From pungent-smelling sprays to ultrasonic devices, none of these solutions have been proven to reliably prevent snakes from entering an area.

The reality is that snakes are driven by instinct and environmental factors, not by the products sold in stores. Their movement is primarily guided by food sources, shelter, and mating opportunities, not by any of the repellents advertised.

In fact, many of these products can be harmful, both to the environment and to non-target species, without offering any genuine benefit in repelling snakes.

We recently tested several popular snake repellent products to see if they actually worked, and the results were clear—none of them had any effect. Watch our full video to see the tests in action and understand why these products are not worth your money.

Remember: rather than relying on ineffective repellents, it's far better to implement preventive measures such as keeping your yard clean, sealing gaps in your home’s foundation, and removing potential food sources.

Follow the link to our YouTube channel for the video.

In this video we test a variety of different snake repellents on a number of different snake species! This evidence in the video proves that snake repellents...

17/01/2025

Naja nivea- Cape Cobra from Eastern Namibia

A generally smaller and more elegant cobra that the anchieta's and spitting cobras. This species is found in a number of different colour variations, ranging from yellow, dark brown, black above, while some individuals may even have a speckled appearance. A dark band across the throat is prominent in juvenile snakes, but fades away in adults.

This particular species is mainly active during the day, which is commonly encountered in open planes and near weaver bird nests. It's diet mainly consists out of small rodents, birds, frogs and other snakes. Like other cobras it rearsup and spreads a hood, when approached , but seldom actually attacks without provocation.

The venom is a potent neurotoxin, The venom rapidly affects breathing and results in drooping eyelids, excessive drooling and sweating. Cytotoxic components are also present and some victims may present with swelling, blistering and mild tissue necrosis. This is allegedly the most venomous cobra in Africa. Antivenom is effective against this snake.

16/01/2025

Black Mamba Removal: A Challenging but Successful Operation

Today, I was called to remove a Black Mamba that had made its way into a thatch roof, positioned a daunting 4 meters off the ground. The snake measured a staggering 2.6 meters in length, making it a formidable presence in the area.

The removal process was far from straightforward. I had to carefully untangle the snake from the poles of the roof, which took around 15 minutes of patient work. The Black Mamba was calm but highly alert, so I had to ensure every move was calculated to avoid any stress to the snake or risk to myself.

After a careful and steady extraction, the snake was safely removed and relocated. A successful job in handling one of the most dangerous snakes in the world, and another reminder of the importance of professional intervention and the conservation efforts of the SCAN - Snake Conservation Association of Namibia team

15/01/2025

Naja nigricincta Woodi- Black Spitting Cobra from near keetmanshoop.

This snake occurs in Southern Namibia and is mainly active during the day. It is often encountered in rocky outcrops and dry riverbeds. Their diet consists of small mammals, birds, and other snakes.

Adults are jet black in colour, while juveniles are light grey with a black head and throat.

This snake is rarely responsible for bites or spitting incidents as it lives in remote areas with low human densities. They are quick to escape when given the opportunity to do so.

The venom is a potent cytotoxin causing pain, swelling, and necrosis. Bites, as with any of our medically significant snakes, are an absolute emergency. Fatalities from this species are also uncommon.