Articles - African Snakebite Institute

Antivenom Shortage

3rd November 2023Sake Van WykAfrican Snakebite Institute Foundation, Antivenom, antivenom shortage, Monovalent Boomslang Antivenom, Polyvalent antivenom

The South African Vaccine Producers, produces two antivenoms for snakebite – a monovalent antivenom and a polyvalent antivenom.

Are juvenile snakes more venomous than adults?

14th January 2021Ashley KempAre juvenile snakes more venomous than adults?, deadly snakes, Juvenile snakes and Venom, Snakebite, snakes of Southern Africa, venomous snakes

Animal Planet or Nat Geo put together a documentary in which it was stated that juvenile snakes are more dangerous than adults because they are still dumb and do not know how to control their venom. What research this was based on (if any) is not known.

Are South African Sac Spiders (Cheiracanthium sp., Cheiracanthidae) medically important ?

1st February 2021Ashley Kempare sac spiders medically important, Cheiracanthidae, Cheiracanthium sp., do sac spiders bite, Sac Spiders, South African Sac Spiders, south african spiders

South Africa has a rich diversity of spider species, with more than 2000 species. This is directly related to our diverse habitats and landscape in southern Africa. Jumping Spiders are the most specious group followed by Ground Spiders and Crab Spiders. Identification of spiders is tricky, and many new species are described each year (Dippenaar-Schoeman, 2014).

Beware of the Stiletto Snake

31st October 2018Johan MaraisAtractaspis bibronii, Bibron’s Stiletto Snake, Dark Snake, Mole Adder, Snakebite, Stiletto Snake, Sypikslang

The Stiletto Snake or Sypikslang (Atractaspis bibronii), is a small, highly venomous snake, that accounts for numerous snakebites during the summer months in Southern Africa. Previously known as a Mole Adder or Moladder, these dark snakes are often confused with harmless-looking snakes, and people tend to pick them up with their hands – the consequences of such a mistake can be very painful.

Catching and releasing snakes

18th October 2023Ashley KempCatching and releasing snakes, catching snakes, Snake Removal, snake removal protocols

We have over 4,000 delegates a year attend our snake awareness, first aid for snakebite and venomous snake handling courses. These courses are offered to corporate clients throughout Africa whose staff need to deal with snake encounters on site.

Colour variation in Boomslang

13th September 2021Ashley KempBoomslang, Colour variation, Colour variation in boomslang, Colours in snakes, Dispholidus typus, snake colours, species variation

In many of our snake species there is a great deal of colour variation, making identification quite difficult. The Boomslang, Cape Cobra and Mole Snake come to mind.

Colour variation in Cape Cobras

27th October 2021Ashley Kempcape cobra, cape cobra colours, Colour variation, Colours in snakes, Naja nivea, snake colours, species variation

Identifying snakes can be rather difficult as they vary in colour. The Cape Cobra varies dramatically in colour, often from the same area. Juveniles are brownish yellow with a darker broad throat band but sometimes an orange brown colour while adults vary from near black to dark brown, medium brown, light brown, yellow or a golden orange colour and most of these variations may have darker or lighter speckles. Certain colours may be dominant in some areas (golden yellow individuals from the Kalahari) but that may also vary.