Snakes are one of the most feared and misunderstood creatures in Namibia. For many people, the automatic reaction when encountering a snake is to kill it. This fear and hostility have been carried from one generation to the next, often driven by myths rather than facts. It may take a while for humans to warm up to these creatures. To address this challenge, the Namibian Youth Chamber of Environment (NYCE) hosted a webinar on the 3rd of September, aimed at raising awareness about snakes and their importance in our environment.
Our guest speaker, Francois Theart, a conservation manager and snake expert, provided valuable insights into the role snakes play in maintaining ecological balance. He emphasised their importance in controlling pests and diseases, while also stressing the urgent need to reduce unnecessary killings by promoting coexistence between humans and snakes.
Basic snake biology and identification
Snakes come in various shapes and sizes. During his presentation, Theart explained that Namibia is home to 85 different snake species; only 14 of these are venomous enough to be potentially fatal to humans. Most of our snakes are harmless to humans, while all of them play an important role in controlling populations of rodents and other pests that can spread diseases.
Theart touched on other fascinating aspects of snake biology. Snakes can live up to 50 years, depending on the species. Additionally, although they do not hear airborne sounds, they detect vibrations through the ground. Their forked tongues allow them to collect scent particles from the air, which are processed by a specialised organ in the mouth. These adaptations make snakes highly effective hunters.
Common snake myths
Francois pointed out that many of the assumptions people make about snakes are rooted in fear and misinformation. Accurate identification, coupled with an understanding of their natural behaviour, is key to reducing unnecessary conflict.
Many false beliefs about snakes have been passed from generation to generation in Namibia, which Theart took time to address during the webinar. One of the most persistent misconceptions is that all snakes are venomous and inherently dangerous. In reality, most species are not venomous and pose no direct threat to humans. Another myth is that snakes deliberately attack people, when in fact they are shy creatures that only defend themselves when cornered or provoked.
These myths have led to generations of fear-driven killings and unnecessary destruction of snakes. By unmasking such beliefs, the webinar helped participants replace fear and hate with respect and appreciation for these animals.
Factors that threaten snake survival
- Habitat destruction
One of the major threats to snake populations in Namibia is habitat loss. This is caused by urbanisation, mining activities, agricultural expansion and infrastructure development, which have led to the clearing of natural habitats. This pushes snakes into human spaces where they are more likely to be killed. Habitat destruction reduces the availability of food and shelter for snakes, making survival even more difficult. Protecting natural ecosystems and establishing safe wildlife corridors is therefore critical for snake conservation.
- Human-snake conflict
Fear and misunderstanding remain the biggest factor of human-snake conflict. In many Namibian communities, snakes are killed without hesitation, regardless of whether they are venomous or not. Theart emphasised that awareness and education are some of the most effective tools to reduce conflict, as well as promoting professional snake relocation services that can help minimise unnecessary killings.
- Other threats
Apart from habitat destruction and conflict, snakes also face other challenges such as road kills, illegal captures for the pet trade and persecution due to cultural beliefs. Additionally, climate change can disrupt their breeding cycles and distribution.
© Francois TheartSnake handling and first aid
The session also covered practical aspects of dealing with snakes safely. Theart explained that snakes are generally reluctant to interact with humans and will usually retreat if given the opportunity. However, when encounters do happen, safe handling techniques, such as the correct use of snake hooks and tongs, are essential for experts tasked with relocating them. People who do not know how to handle snakes should not try to move them – many such attempts have resulted in snakebites. Experts from Snakes of Namibia are willing to remove snakes for free for anyone living in the Windhoek area – find their contact details at the bottom of the article.
First aid for snakebites was also discussed. Participants were advised that not all bites are fatal, but any bite from a suspected venomous snake should be treated as an emergency. Theart stressed the importance of staying calm, immobilising the affected limb and seeking immediate medical attention rather than attempting risky home remedies. The affected area should not be bound up tightly, as this could make the injury worse.
© Francois TheartConclusion
As the session concluded, we were reminded that snakes are not merely dangerous creatures. They play important roles in our ecosystems alongside many other organisms. We were also advised to learn more about the snakes in our surroundings (habits, distribution, habitat, physical features etc.) so that we can make informed choices when encountering snakes. Theart emphasised the need for more youth involvement, as Namibia only has a small number of trained herpetologists and snake experts.
The webinar successfully educated young people and the broader community on the ecological significance of snakes, safety practices and the importance of conservation efforts. The Namibian Youth Chamber of Environment extends appreciation to Francois Theart for his dedication to conservation through education.
Click here to download 1st PowerPoint presentation (pptx, 14 mb)
Click here to download 2nd PowerPoint presentation (pptx, 4 mb)
© Francois Theart