PLEASE NOTE: This is an ONLINE self study course on southern African snake species. The course is completed online via the ASI website and results in a digital certificate being issued upon successful completion of the course.
To see our list of upcoming in-person courses, please click here.
Once you have signed up, you have lifetime access to the course, and are able to complete the course in your own time. (The only time constraints are on the quizzes after each module, which need to be completed in the allotted time once started.)
There are 177 different types of snakes in southern Africa. Even a single species may occur in multiple colour variations which makes identification problematic. The vast majority of our snakes are non-venomous and only around 25 species are medically significant. There are still molecular studies underway and we can expect a number of taxonomical changes over the next few years. Most obvious species of snakes have been described, however, with improved genetics, new cryptic species are being identified.
This course covers the basics of snake awareness in southern Africa, first aid for snakebite, behavior, anatomy, venom, and myths. Spiders and scorpions are also covered but not comprehensively.
If you’ve already purchased this course, click here to access it.