Investigation and Comparison of Snake Management Techniques, Tools, First Aid and Educational Programs

By David Manning

Report by David Manning - 2012 Churchill Fellow

2012 Churchill Fellow David Manning with a Puff Adder Bitis arietans in South Africa

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CONTENTS Page

Introduction ………………………………………….. 3

Summary ………………………………………….. 4

Programme ………………………………………….. 5

South Africa ………………………………………….. 6 Botswana ………………………………………….. 7 South Africa ………………………………………….. 13 USA ………………………………………….. 17 Snake Bite First Aid ………………………………….. 24 Snake Catching Tools and Techniques …………… 24

Conclusions and Recommendations………………………… 26

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INTRODUCTION Snakes - the very word is extremely emotive. Everyone has an opinion on these quintessentially Australian reptiles, and sadly it is a mostly negative one, with many myths, legends and misunderstandings. That these attitudes remain today is a great shame both for the snakes themselves that suffer undue persecution, and for individuals who live with unwarranted lifelong anxiety towards them and many other species of Australian native wildlife. However, despite the fact that snakes are something that most Australians are likely to encounter in life sooner or later, either at leisure, around our homes, or in association with the workplace, they remain poorly understood by the average person. Unfortunately few if any Australians receive much meaningful wildlife awareness education. I think this is a great oversight of our education system, particularly as ours is an increasingly urbanized population, detached from daily interactions with nature. We would all benefit from qualified information on the realities of living with our wildlife and understanding its importance in the environment. From a safety perspective we should all know how to react to snakes and other potentially hazardous wildlife and crucially what to do in terms of first aid in case of a snake bite or other envenomation. Animal Ark Pty Ltd are licensed to deliver Wildlife Educational programs to schools and deliver a Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) endorsed training course for licensing Reptile Removalists in WA. This involves training people to understand snakes and learn safe and effective means of catching, containing and relocating snakes and other reptiles whilst minimizing the risks involved. This license is sought by those wishing to serve as a volunteer within their community and also by people working in rural and remote regions. My application and subsequent reward of a 2012 Churchill Trust Fellowship was inspired by a desire to improve these educational outcomes for all Australians by investigating approaches to and content of snake capture and management, first aid training and general wildlife education programs overseas. I am hugely grateful for the opportunities this prestigious award has offered me for personal and professional development. I hope unselfishly in the spirit of a Churchill Fellow to pass the information and experience gained on to as broad a range of fellow educators and interested parties by any means available to me. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Churchill Mentor Greg Wallace for his support and advice. Churchill Trust staff at all stages of the Fellowship process in particular Neville and Denise Marchant for making the interview and selection process as easy going as possible. Premila Dawson at Campus Travel, so patient. Dr Dean Revell and Bob Cooper, kind and supportive referees, without whom my application would never have been submitted. Johan Marais, Mokolodi staff and volunteers, including Lucy Latham, Janet and Kenosi. Jack and Jason Seale at Hartbeespoort Dam. Dr Tony Phelps for an amazing 2 weeks, Callum and Tania Beattie and De Hoop staff. Carl Barden, Daniel Parker, Bob Myers, Michael Flud, Douglas Hottle, Paul Hahn, David Riherd, Marisa Boyd, Danielle Webster, Jennifer Cohen and Ian Recchio for being so welcoming and sharing their time and knowledge. Friends and family who offered help and support at all stages of my trip. My partner Jenny and our children Jack and Georgia for sparing me on my solo adventure during a busy year; and to Jenny for her diligence and attention to detail before, during and after my Fellowship travels – things may not have happened without her.

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SUMMARY David Manning PO Box 650, DUNCRAIG WA 6023

Ph: 08 9243 3044, Mobile: 0466 688 188, Email: info@animalark.com.au Director, Animal Ark, a Wildlife Education and Training provider

Investigation and Comparison of Snake Management Techniques, Tools, First Aid and Educational Programs

Highlights Mokolodi Nature Reserve, Gabarone, Southern Botswana. Meeting and discussing invasive snake problems and concerns with locals. Participation in a venomous snake handling course with herpetologist Johan Marais. Rhino tracking on foot. Cape Reptile Institute, De Hoop Nature Reserve, Western Cape, South Africa. Accompanying Dr Tony Phelps on a 2 week field study practicing reptile ecology survey techniques. Putting capture techniques into practice with various venomous species. Appreciation of the value of passive observation; one 45 minute session included a Cape Cobra Naja nivea engaged in hunting and feeding within a network of Cape Gerbil burrows quite literally at my feet. Medtoxin Laboratories, Deland, Florida USA Behind the scenes at a commercial venom production laboratory. Observation of educational programs in action that included hands on milking of venomous snakes for medical research. Sunshine Reptiles - Field herping in the northern Everglades. Rattlesnake Museum Albuquerque New Mexico One man’s passion for snakes at an unusual and popular museum attraction. ABQ Biopark Zoo and Los Angeles Zoo LAIR exhibit Seeing excellent snake management protocols in action at large government funded facilities. Recommendations Best practice for safe capture, containment, relocation or veterinary assessment of wildlife must require the use of full personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times. This is currently not universally the case in Australia. I would urge individuals and organizations to ensure a comprehensive range of equipment is both accessible and utilized for optimum safety. Wildlife education should be a part of our national curriculum. There is a high representation of venomous snakes and other hazardous wildlife in Australia. Learning how to live with them and deal with bites and stings effectively would benefit all Australians - psychologically and practically. Consider the addition of basic breathing apparatus and antihistamine to recommended first response first aid kit for snake bite incidents. Support the reform of wildlife licensing in WA to facilitate the wider keeping, breeding and understanding of native animals within the community. Western Australia should develop a venom production laboratory and tourist facility to both showcase our infamous most deadly creatures and for venom extraction for general medical research and antivenom production. This could support local consumption and for use in neighboring developing countries. Implementation and Dissemination Present my findings at WA Herpetological Society meetings. Publish my report on the Animal Ark website. Author articles related to best practice snake management for reptile and OHS publications. Seek specialist medical advice in terms of recommended first aid practice and seek endorsement from DEC for changes to training courses. Encourage regular contact between licensed Wildlife Educators in Australia. Approach publishers to author books on living with, and the identification of wildlife in our communities. Continue to educate and enthuse all sections of the community about wildlife and conservation issues.

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PROGRAMME South Africa 7 - 9 November 2012 North West Province Hartbeespoort Dam Snake and Animal Park Meeting - Jack and Jason Seale Botswana 9 - 13 November 2012 Mokolodi Nature Reserve, Gabarone, Botswna Training Course - Johan Marais, Herpetologist, Reptile Ventures, Snake Handling Course Meeting - Janet and Kenosi tracker and guide Meeting - Lucy Latham, volunteer (a recent UK Churchill Trust applicant) South Africa 13 Nov - 4 December 2012 Western Cape Area Practical Field Studies Course - Oudtshoorn and Little Karoo 2 days De Hoop Nature Reserve 14 days Training Course - Cape Town Snake Handling and Identification 2 days Dr Tony Phelps Reptile Ecologist United States of America 9 – 22 December 2012 Florida 9 - 15 December 2012 Medtoxin Venom Laboratories Reptile Discovery Centre Deland Florida 32724 Meeting – Carl Barden Director Field Herping - Daniel Parker Sunshine Serpents 11 December New Mexico 15 – 18 December Albuquerque Biological Park ABQ Meeting - Douglas Hottle Curator of Herpetology Rattlesnake Museum Meeting - Bob Myers Director California 18 – 22 December Wildlife Learning Center Meeting - Paul Hahn and David Riherd, Cofounders Meeting - Marisa Boyd Compound Manager Meeting - Danielle Webster Office Manager Meeting - Jennifer Cohen Biologist LA Zoo LAIR – Living Amphibians, Invertebrates and Reptiles Meeting - Ian Recchio Curator of Reptiles and Amphibians

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SOUTH AFRICA – North West Province Hartbeespoort Dam Snake and Animal Park Scott Street, Hartbeespoort 0216 Jack and Jason Seale Hartbeespoort Dam is within an hours drive from Pretoria and Johannesburg, a very scenic area and a popular holiday and weekend resort. The zoo houses a large collection of animals and is a major attraction in the area. It is beautifully sited on the waters edge and also offers boat cruises on the dam. It is privately owned and managed and has been in the Seale family for around 50 years. Whilst its cages often appear old in style and design the animals are without doubt well cared for, in excellent condition and much loved by both staff and visitors alike. Hartbeespoort Dam Snake and Animal Park are involved in breeding various endangered species including the Cape vulture, African hunting dog and black footed cat. Keen to have the visitor experience I simply arrived, paid the entrance fee of R60 (AU$6) and entered. There is a comprehensive reptile collection just inside the entrance and many animals are displayed in large open enclosures. There is also a large snake house with many more species on display not only of African herptiles but lizards, snakes, crocodilians, turtles and tortoises from around the world. I was lucky enough to find that Jack Seale the owner was on site that day and after introducing himself to me (I was note taking and photographing beyond normal tourist behavior) we ended up spending the rest of the day just talking. He is certainly a charismatic man, quite elderly but still very active, if officially retired from the day to day management of the park. Jack was quite inspirational to talk with and a founding member of PAAZAB, the African Association of Zoos and Aquaria. I found it particularly interesting as we both have had considerable experience working with animals in the film and television industry, which I had not expected to find in a rural zoological garden. I even got to meet (outside the cage) one of the hyenas from the cult 1980 movie The Gods Must be Crazy, filmed in Botswana. Later in the afternoon I was able to talk with Jason, his paramedic son, about snake bite treatment, traditional beliefs, general conservation issues including the horrendous but widespread Muti medicine practices. Muti, or traditional medicine, plays an important role in the lives of many South Africans. Practitioners (sangomas or inyangas) generally use nothing more sinister than roots and herbs, but there is dark side to the practice. Human and other animal body parts are also used. Most horrifying they are usually harvested whilst alive. Throughout South Africa I became aware that there is very little but the most elusive wildlife left outside fenced and guarded game reserves. Everything else would appear to have been hunted. The human population is large at over 50 million with widespread poverty, education and housing problems a result of historical imbalances. As a traveller taking reasonable precautions it is a very scenic and safe place to visit, and currently ‘cheap’ with a strong AU$. Mostly the roads I travelled on were fantastic and services good. I’m not sure what my expectations were but I was surprised how easy it was to get around and how friendly the people were. Learning First aid for snake bite is an extremely complex area, with many opinions across the academic and medical world. Research is on going in both on site emergency response and subsequent medical treatment. Use of antihistamine and assisted breathing masks are two first aid tools currently not widely recommended for first responder use in Western Australia. These may be of benefit but require further clarification.

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BOTSWANA Mokolodi Nature Reserve, Gabarone, Botswana Johan Marais, Herpetologist, Reptile Ventures, Snake Handling Course Janet Mallentze, Tracker Kenosi Raletsholo, Guide Lucy Latham, Volunteer Mokolodi Nature Reserve is just 14km south of the capital Gabarone and has a total land area of 12,355 acres. It is home to some of the larger mammals like white rhino and giraffe. Like much of Botswana it is on the edge of the arid Kalahari desert and here near Gabarone a range of small hills surround the area making a very attractive backdrop to the bush. I arrived in my little hire car and checked into Impala Chalet, a small traditional thatched round house near a water hole some 3.5km from the main reception area.

Impala Chalet at Mokolodi Giraffe on the road.

Snake Handling Course, Johan Marais I had originally hoped to attend a one-day course in Snake Awareness and Venomous Snake Handling in Gauteng province South Africa with herpetologist Johan Marais and his company Reptile Ventures. Johan’s course is accredited by the International Society of Zoological Sciences (ISZS) and the Field Guides Association of Southern Africa (FGASA). However, after my WCT itinerary was finalized it happened that Johan was only going to be available on the 10th November at a nature reserve in Botswana. This trip was meant to be challenging and an adventure so having looked it up on Google maps I decided to book on to the course anyway and drive 4/5 hours to Botswana from the Hartbeespoort Dam area in South Africa where I had originally hoped to attend the course. Johan’s course cost P1200 (Botswanan Pula) about AU$150 - lunch being included in the price. The other 12 course participants were a mixed bag, the youngest a 17 year old white Batswana/Kiwi, Lucy a wildlife volunteer at the nature reserve from the UK, a couple of vet students from the University of Botswana, a few expat ladies who lunch, a local black field guide from the Reserve, another from the Defence Force, a young couple who have problems with invasive snakes in their garden – eating their budgies and chickens - and a guy refreshing his training who works in the mines. Once we had all gathered we were driven in open sided safari vehicles to the venue. I was fascinated by the invasive snake issues seemingly common to people living in the area. One couple even brought along a recently captured small African Rock Python Python sabae. Another lady attendee recounted successfully beating up a large python with a broom and shovel that was trying to eat one of her dogs and of another dog that was eaten by a large python. Most locals had snake stories to recount, fortunately none ending in envenomation.

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The course was held in a very scenic thatched Boma building a kilometer or so from the main entrance and hired for conferences, weddings and the like. We were seated at tables with fresh water and mints being provided. After a brief introduction Johan had us all introduce ourselves briefly by stating our names and our reasons for attending the course. The course commenced with a PowerPoint presentation looking at snake evolution in general, snake myths dispelled and discussed, basic reptile biology and then proceeded to look at snake behaviour and in particular the snakes of Southern Africa. I am intrigued by the myths traditional people especially native Africans believe about snakes. And whilst these were when offered discounted one by one by Johan, I could tell the 2 black Africans were not totally convinced. Amongst their beliefs discussed that day were that a snake would track you by following your footprints back to your home to bite you. That if you kill a snake its mate will also track down you or one of your family for revenge. That witch doctors can and do turn people into snakes / put your spirit in a snake at will and can order a snake to attack any given person as commanded. There were other myths white South Africans also falsely believe, such as that some snakes can bite their tail and roll down hill; that Boomslangs Dispholidus typus, drop from the trees onto people and that Mambas Dendroaspis sp, will chase you. Johan then moved onto understanding venom types, first aid and simple ways of identifying the most dangerous snakes that may be encountered in the area. Johan’s presentation style was relaxed, he appeared very knowledgeable and as he seemed to have spent vast amounts of time in the bush his experience in snake capture was genuinely extensive. Questions were welcomed after each stage of the presentation and these were well and effectively handled. A break for coffee, then more PowerPoint, a series of slides really with snake pictures predominating. And so on until lunch, on blue clothed tables under the shade of some thorn trees a buffet style meal plenty salads, meat, fruit for everyone more cold water and soft drinks also being available. A very picturesque location indeed for a days study.

After lunch it was straight onto catching. We gathered outside and first had a look at the young 1 metre long African Rock Python Python sabae, probably 6 months to a year old at most. This is the one caught on the outside of the budgie aviary and brought along to the course by the local couple. We start by catching this with tongs. After everyone had a go catching the python it was released into some local bushes, where with mesmerizingly but typical snake crypsis it disappeared from view in front of our eyes.

Capture methods wise Johan is primarily a user of pillstrom type tongs (rather than wide-mouthed) and hooks with a bin for containment. Interestingly I thought his approach if needs be is to tire out the snake with raking action until easy to lift with tongs. For stouter adders he uses hooks. I myself find using both hook and tongs at the same time ideal and preferable to the methods demonstrated today. Johan dislikes bags a lot as you can be bitten through them and they are difficult and somewhat dangerous to tie off once a snake is inside. I agree but do find that whilst both those statements are very true bags do make snake capture very easy sometimes and if working in pairs, confined spaces, inside an aviary, building or trench I still think of them as essential kit to have available for

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use alongside tongs and hooks. I think the broader the range of equipment you can have on hand will greatly facilitate a safe capture regardless of the circumstances encountered. Johan did demonstrate using tubes and we all had to get the Cobra inside one, so I think his methodology would be tongs or hook with bin or tube as the best approach.

Catching a Snouted Cobra Naja annulifera using tongs and tube.

One adult and one juvenile African Rock Python Python sabae, Snouted Cobra Naja annulifera and a Puff Adder Bitis arietans were the three species we worked with. In many ways Johan’s course was very similar to mine - PowerPoint in the morning then snake catching in the afternoon. He also employed about the same amount of catching practice per person, enough to understand the principles, appreciate the risks and not harm the snakes. Lots of information on snake types, less focus I thought on safety - people could and did participate in shorts, short sleeves and sandals. Each of us in turn caught each species twice utilizing tongs, two hooks or combination. Those of a more cautious or nervous nature were encouraged and everyone completed the catching part of the course satisfactorily. We then sat an exam which revised the most salient parts of the course. This was duly marked and we all passed. Unfortunately we did not have this returned which I thought would have been a good idea, giving us something to take home for future reference. Johan had for sale some of the snake tongs he recommends and the day ended with some very welcome cold beers.

Mokolodi guide Kenosi and course attendee get to grips with an African Rock Python Python sabae

Johan was a good presenter and a very experienced herpetologist travelling widely in Africa for his work and experienced in the capture and study of thousands of individual reptiles. He

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mentioned catching 500 plus Mambas and I had no reason to doubt him. The Black Mamba Dendroaspis polylepis is indeed a very deadly snake, but not a mean and outwardly aggressive species as is widely believed and perpetuated in both the media and herpetological circles. It is the largest venomous snake in Africa and can stand tall, capable of biting at chest height. Most dangerous it seems if you are chasing it! “The Black Mamba rarely permits a close approach (within 40m). If cornered or threatened, it will gape, exposing the black inner lining of its mouth, and will spread a narrow hood while waving the tongue slowly up and down. Any sudden movement at this stage will be met with a series of rapid strikes, often with fatal results.” Johan Marais in A Complete Guide to the Snakes of Southern Africa (2004) Glen the Park Manager and Lucy Latham wildlife volunteer who (small world) has just applied for a UK Churchill Trust Fellowship joined me for an evening meal at the restaurant (who worries about self catering). Very nice beers and burgers, a few warthogs bumbling around, kids playing, other campers and day trippers enjoying the scenery. Mokolodi was nice overall, busy in places but a pleasantly small-scale safari outfit.

Snake catching course with Johan Marais, Mokolodi Nature Reserve, Botswana. Hooking a Puff Adder Bitis arietans

Learning For animal handling training courses PowerPoint seems universal and highly effective for delivering educational presentations when combined with the essential practical element. A knowledgeable and experienced presenter is essential for effective delivery of content. In terms of safety techniques I think the approach taken by myself and at least one of the other main trainers in Perth are preferable to methods seen today. PPE is essential for all attending our course and its use in the field is at all times promoted. The equipment we utilize is broader in scope and of a higher quality than that discussed or seen today. However I will look into Bag valve masks as a possible part of an effective first aid kit. They may be vital for ventilation of patients who away from hospitals may need assisted breathing if paralyzed by venom. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is too difficult apparently for long stretches of assisted breathing. Rhino Tracking The following day I had booked onto a Rhino Tracking course at Mokolodi. I was interested in observing what educational messages where given and how much information was delivered as well as getting close to rhinos.

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It turned out I was the only participant which was a shame in that I could not observe what a typical “tourist” got from the safari but a huge privilege in it being so small and personal an experience. I also think our tracker and guide had more time and were able to talk more freely than might otherwise have been the case. I had asked Lucy to accompany me as she was interesting to talk to about her learning experiences as a volunteer and a companion for the day. Kenosi (who took part in the snake course the day before) and Janet were to be the guide and tracker, and with Lucy Latham in the safari vehicle collected me at 8am from my accommodation at Impala Chalet and we were off - fantastic not to be part of a big group and no other vehicles were seen for the entire duration of the trip. It was almost one of my safari fears to be just a part of a traffic jam of packed vehicles vying for a view of the wildlife. I am so glad this was a hugely intimate experience, Lucy from Cheshire was quite knowledgeable but had only been at Mokolodi for 3 weeks. She is involved in the educational programs at the park. We're off - driving along the sometimes rocky, bumpy bush roads through the ankle thorn trees and red bush willow to name but a few of the species here. Patchy clouds in the big African sky to start with but more sun coming through as time passes. What a lovely way to spend time, bouncing around on a bit of an adventure. We spot a variety of wildlife, beautiful birds, impala here, kudu there, now zebra, a mongoose or baboons. I learn about wildlife as we go, hearing bits of information about the rhinos whose scats and tracks we are looking for. Eventually after an hour or so - and I am certainly not clock watching - tracks are spotted. These are fresh so we are told and we proceed, still in the vehicle, another few kilometers. Soon enough there are more tracks that are obviously (to them) even fresher, so we dismount and proceed on foot, Janet with rifle in hand, “just in case” she says - “anyway I would shoot in the air not at the rhinos”. These are white rhino, not white at all of course, but coming from Afrikaans I think meaning wide mouthed and not white in colour but a powdery grey. From my limited rhino knowledge white rhino are far less dangerous than the black ones. But still as anyone who has ever seen one will know they are huge, immensely powerful and not to be provoked lightly. Now to be totally honest to start with I couldn't see a thing that our guides were tracking, any scuff in the dirt looks just like another to me. We head into the bush on foot, all 4 of us this way and then that, scenery perfect, weather sublime, a bit hot now and then but hey this is a very real experience so a bit of sweat is to be expected. Even if they do it weekly it feels genuine and a bit of a privilege to be here. We pass a mostly dried up stream bed which during the wet may be several metres deep and obviously from the debris up in the trees overflows the banks at times and floods. Now though rains have not yet come and last year, so we are told, pretty much failed altogether. We are of course on the edge of the vast Kalahari desert so rain is not really the norm.

We see some very fresh dung with a dozen or so dung beetles of at least two species and some psychedelic flies already in attendance and a few new beetles flying in towards the feast - incubation material and potential nourishment for their soon to be laid eggs and eventual larvae. More tracks, signs of wallowing in the mud, we are on the right track so to speak. We cross a muddy stream and manage to keep dry, more open bush now with larger expanses of soft sand making the tracks easier even for me to recognize. Kenosi tells me to find one track then look up and out, not straight

down. Wow - once taught it makes all the difference, I can actually see the way they have gone like a path in front of me, 2 rhino at least maybe more keeping close together. Sometimes I lose sight of the marks then a gentle nudge and pointer in the right direction and I am tracking, or at least now having been told to take the lead feel like I am tracking.

Action up ahead, clouds of dust in the distance the impala and rhinos are together and close but when impala smell us or see us they bolt and so too the rhino. I hope that’s not it, just a glimpse of rhino through the bushes. We keep on and soon enough more tracks and there in a small

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clearing we find them, a family unit mum with a 2 or 3 year old calf and dad closer to us by several metres protecting the mother and young by keeping a good eye on us and looking immensely scary so close up. A mass of taut, rippling muscle of immense strength. The unimaginable potential to cause pain if he charged was very evident and the trees are scrubby affairs. There is nothing to climb or hide behind anywhere; we are reliant on his good humour. Kenosi takes some pictures of me with the rhinos behind, we watch a while the calf backing into mum for confidence like a nervous child of any species anywhere nudging at mums thighs. She apparently watching us with curiosity writ large on her face or that's how I see it anyway. The mother less interested, the father ever vigilant, now and then facing us, occasionally foot stomping to make sure we respect and keep good distance between us.

How long I don't know but maybe 15 minutes later we leave them in peace, and walk back to the safari vehicle. Well that was excellent; a few hours well spent at a cost of only P590, about $70. I forgot as we drive off that a lunch is included as Lucy reminds me and before long we pull up at a large lake or waterhole. In the distance impala and other antelope congregate to drink. We even have proper toilets. We all eat together. When we are standing at the edge of the water again Lucy asks about crocodiles. Kinosi looks out and says they are not often seen here. After a moment or two he points - there's one, we can’t see a thing and I am sure he's making it up or mistaken by the blanket of weed and algae. But no, once he shows us just where to look we can see the head of the croc, hard to measure but probably around 2 metres in total length. It then swims around a bit and eventually comes close enough for me to take a picture. What a day of wildlife. I saw ostrich, kudu, steinbok, impala, groups of mongoose, chakma baboons, vervet monkeys, giraffe, wildebeest, crocodile,and pretty butterflies. Dung beetles busy doing their thing the male rolling a plum sized ball with the female hanging on and going round and round. Many birds including hornbill and other creatures whose names I've already forgotten. Learning Although Australia is obviously lacking large mammals I am sure there is some potential for tourism operators to offer tracking type activities here. Maybe they already exist but I have not heard of them and a combination of drive, walk, lunch and wildlife education would be I am sure positive for all concerned and provide huge employment potential for our remoter regions. This could provide a relatively cheap, low impact, sustainable but engaging tourism activity that could benefit all, from indigenous guides to the wildlife. SOUTH AFRICA WESTERN CAPE De Hoop Nature Reserve Dr Tony Phelps BSc PHD 14 Day Practical Field Studies and 2 Day Snake Awareness, Identification & Handling Course. Callum Beattie, De Hoop Conservation Manager and his wife Tania De Hoop is a World Heritage Site now totaling some 50,000 hectares. It has 70kms of pristine coastline, protection extending 5kms off shore. The coast is famous as a breeding zone for

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Southern right whales. On land a diverse range of birds, mammals, reptiles and other wildlife are found including Cape Mountain zebra, bontebok antelope and leopard. It represents in Africa a treasure house of natural assets with a large percentage of rare, threatened and endemic species. The landscape is dominated by fynbos (fine bush) vegetation and historic homesteads. It is naturally a fantastic environment for snakes, especially the Cape Cobra Naja nivea.

De Hoop coastline De Hoop Research Cottage

I was accompanying Dr Tony Phelps, herpetologist, author and wildlife cameraman for two weeks in the field, practicing reptile ecological surveying. Tony Phelps is Director of the Cape Reptile Institute and although in his 70’s he still spends around 2 weeks of every month on site conducting largely reptile based research. DeHoop offers a range of accommodation to suit the visitor from 5 star fully catered lodges to self catering chalets and camping areas. We were staying in one of 2 research cottages, basic but comfortable. Tony is tireless in his studies with a particular focus on Cape Cobra and Puff Adder Bitis arietans ecology. Our daily routine consisted of much passive observation of Cobras at their refuges (residence) and driving around the reserve on both the public and management only routes, being mostly gravel roads or tracks through the fynbos. Principally we were always looking for snakes but also noting and observing other species of interest including, but not limited to, eland, zebra, tortoise, bontebok and baboon. Over the years Tony has got to know many of the snakes and other creatures as individuals by sight, knowing well at what time they are likely to emerge, bask and start hunting in the case of snakes, or how many ewes and calves a particular buck antelope has in his harem, and by name which senior baboon it was we saw feeding, foraging or raiding. I was expected to note take and write up reports of observations and sightings. Date, time, weather conditions, including level of cloud cover, were recorded. Also GPS data was taken. When capture was required, the snake was caught usually by tailing and use of snake hook combined, or with two hooks for the larger heavier bodied Puff Adders, then placed in bins for transportation and eventually taken back to the cottage for later study. At the end of our day, usually after supper, and certainly before an occasional visit to the bar, most snakes were then tubed for examination. Checks were made to see if the individual was already known by its scale clips (Tony has some 500 Puff Adders marked), or if required whilst still tubed the snake was clipped (3 ventral scales) for subsequent identification and/or DNA analysis. Then they were measured for total and snout to vent length (svl). This was achieved by placing the tube contained snake onto a strip of tape already stuck to the length of our kitchen table with the head at one end, Tony would hold the snake in its tube and I would endeavour to accurately mark with a pen the position of the cloaca and then the tip of the tail. By measuring both the length to the cloaca and then the length from cloaca to tail end we had 3 measurements: 1. snout to vent length (svl); 2. tail length; and 3. total length. Then each specimen was dropped into a bag for weighing and if a new Puff Adder, an identifying head photo was required. The snake was then placed on a board on the floor and a picture taken with the other recorded data on a sticker placed close by for Tony’s records.

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Now these procedures are not of course without an element of risk. We are after all dealing with some of the world’s most venomous snakes which needed lifting from their containing boxes, being encouraged to enter a clear plastic tube, then being restrained and straightened for measuring before being placed in a bag for weight. Then photographed or simply returned to its container for release back at the point of capture, weather permitting, the following day. Tony was happy to perform these tasks in shorts whilst I generally always wore long pants and enclosed footwear as an added safety measure. The toxicity of a snake does not make it any more aggressive than any other snake – just problematic if an upset individual bites. I am always surprised at the passiveness of most wild caught snakes; I just remember not to be complacent! This data collection was to become my routine and under Tony’s guidance I learned a huge amount not only about the process and reasoning behind recording the data, but about the genuine love for his subject that has led to a lifelong compassion for and study of venomous snakes. Tony’s books and research have no doubt helped herpetologists and conservationists around the world gain a better understanding of these much maligned creatures and have helped develop strategies so that man and snakes can and do live safely together. These include reptile friendly signage, casual and formal snake awareness talks and training days for the staff, many of whom have an otherwise unwarranted fear of these and other animals they are likely to encounter working around a nature reserve. Snakes endeavour to avoid human contact at all times, remain hidden or flee if approached. It is the same the world over, however I am sure some of the visitors would be somewhat surprised and probably horrified if we stopped and told them that a Cobra called Charlie lives a few metres away from their tent or cottage.

Tony releasing a Mole Snake Pseudaspis cana Reptile hunting in the Fynbos

Despite the abundance of snakes around the tourist complex and the reserve in general, the only recorded snake bite incident (non fatal) was to a student of Tony’s who, when not authorized to do so, handled a Boomslang to show off to some girls! Phone and radio reception is intermittent at De Hoop and on one occasion whilst out bush we spotted one of the work vehicles speeding towards us (which is an unusual activity on a nature reserve) and signaling for us to pull over. The somewhat flushed member of staff reported that a large Puff Adder had been spotted under the huge fig tree right next to the restaurant amongst the tables that had been decorously laid out for a wedding reception that was about to commence. And can we please, please, please rush back and help. My notes show we were flagged down at 3.14pm and by 3.30pm (we drove fast) had caught and removed from the scene a female Puff Adder at just under 1 metre in length. I doubt the wedding guests, due shortly, were informed or would have wanted to know! Once back at the main buildings in the park we often looked around in some of the old stabling areas, still near the main building but where much of the behind the scenes work of such a facility took place. Here there were storage spaces used as quad bike and vehicle maintenance zones, the laundry area and staff rest rooms. My records show we also caught, just 15 minutes after the Puff Adder, a large and “lively” male Boomslang. Some of the Boomslangs are daily visitors to the area at this time of year as they feed on the swallow chicks and eggs, climbing up into the roof spaces and entering the conical mud nests made by the nesting adults.

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Tony’s unselfish actions in being available and willing at any time to assist in situations like this made him popular on site, and as we drove or walked about the staff would often call out a greeting “Hi Dr Tony” or “hey snake man”. Dr Phelp’s genuine affection for the local people and wildlife was admirable. Working with and having his pro-wildlife initiatives seemingly readily adopted by Cape Nature, the responsible body managing the reserve, shows real conservation results. As well as spending much time with Tony I was fortunate to meet Callum and Tania Beattie, who also live at the reserve. Callum has been a game ranger in many parts of Africa and is currently Conservation Manager. It was most interesting to hear about the work he has been involved in, places travelled, wildlife and peoples encountered. I spent 13 days days at De Hoop. I see how important passive observation is to understanding snake behavior and was thrilled that during my stay we managed to catch two Mole Snakes Pseudaspis cana - Tony had only recorded at total of 5 in the 8 years prior to my visit. Tony was conducting a 2-day snake handling course in Cape Town that I was also booked onto. We drove together and I was dropped off at a nice hotel in the Waterfront area of Cape Town. From research cottage to luxury accommodation with TV, bathrobe and complimentary toiletries and chocolates, but no zebras, baboons or ostriches visible from my window.

Tony Phelps tubing a Puff Adder Cobras are members of the Elapidae family, as are

all Australia’s most venomous species.

Learning Under Tony’s guidance I learnt excellent reptile ecology field techniques and scientific methodology. My two weeks in the Western Cape reiterated to me the value of passive observation in research and conservation related work, particularly when dealing with venomous species. I acknowledge the extraordinary persistence and patience required for extracting knowledge over extended study periods, and the value of that knowledge for conservation. Similar to my own training role Tony’s position within the De Hoop Nature Reserve emphasizes the importance of education in the workplace for reassuring those who would otherwise be fearful and react unwisely in the presence of potentially dangerous wildlife. A passionate individual can do great things in the pursuit of knowledge and ultimately the conservation of a much-maligned species.

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CAPE TOWN Driftsands Nature Reserve Dr Tony Phelps BSc PHD Snake Awareness, Identification & Handling Course, 2-days. Driftsands Nature Reserve in Cape Town is a 900 hectare reserve with, as the Cape Nature web site states, “significant social and economic challenges in the immediate area”. Some 550,000 people live nearby, 65% of whom are unemployed and living in poverty we Australians could barely imagine, mainly in squatter shack settlements. This was the second snake handling course I was to attend but this one was of 2 days duration and utilizing the Cape Nature Educational Buildings on the reserve. There were 17 people in attendance, amongst them university students, bush walkers, amateur naturalists, Cape Nature employees and others. Once again a PowerPoint presentation of snakes and snake species of significance found in South Africa was the main tool of education. On day 1 we concentrated on snake awareness, venom properties, snake psychology, a first aid practical and methods for identification of commonly encountered species. After a PowerPoint look at many species we were led outside where 14 different reptiles were in boxes. We had to inspect them and identify them, writing answers down for later appraisal. For day 2 PPE was required. As tailing was recommended we started off catching a piece of rope taped red at one end to represent the biting part of a snake. Tony had divided the group into 3 or 4 subgroups with his other facilitators, so we all had much practice with rope before moving on to Cape Cobras and Puff Adders. I like and respect Tony a lot and can’t really fault his course apart from the fact that I still think tailing is unnecessarily risky in general, that bags are useful and also that our bins are much better for ease of containment and the eventual safe release of snakes.

A snake course participant wrangling a Boomslang Dispholidus typus

Learning One possible improvement to our approach in Western Australia is recommending or making available the Ambu breathing aids, as CPR is difficult to keep up should a bite victim suffer paralysis and need assisted breathing – a not uncommon effect of envenomation by snake and some other venomous wildlife. Also if our licensing system was more flexible trainers could have a greater range of species available for examination. Currently in WA it is illegal for a friend snake keeper to bring some even non-venomous specimens onto a course to assist without applying and paying for an additional license. In fact all our wildlife keeping laws are woefully restrictive and public engagement in any way, be it native pet keeping, community conservation of wildlife, and public awareness or engagement, are very much no no’s. It is even an offence to keep a native insect as a pet – yet we can readily spray them with insecticides!

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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA FLORIDA Carl Barden Director Medtoxin Venom Laboratories Reptile Discovery Centre 2710 Big John Drive Deland Florida 32724 Medtoxin opened in 1994 as a commercial venom production facility for research and pharmaceutical applications. The snake rooms are climate controlled and currently house around 700 snakes of 40 species. Venoms are collected in a sterile manner under laboratory conditions. Snakes bite a membrane over a variety of glass collection receptacles. Individual snakes are milked on 14-day cycles. Venoms are normally centrifuged cold, frozen and lyophilized within six hours of extraction. Dried venom is normally packed and stored dark at -20oC. Most of the snakes at this facility are captive bred in-house or sourced from reputable zoos and breeders. Others are from nuisance removal and confiscation. Customers for venom include researchers, universities, private laboratories and pharmaceutical companies. Research using snake venoms can lead to new medicines for treatment of cancers, Aids, diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure, pain relief and many other conditions. Venoms of genus Naja, Dendroaspis, Ophiophagus, Micrurus, Bitis, Crotalus, Agkistrodon Bungarus, Sistrurus are all listed for sale. Prices range from US$150 to $750 per gram dry weight. I was staying with friends in Florida and Carl was very welcoming to myself and Tristan, who accompanied me on this visit. Carl was busy but happy to talk and allowed me to see both the public and behind the scenes areas of this serpentarium and venom farming lab. On arrival there is an outdoor walking trail with reptiles such as tortoises, alligators, iguanas and more on display but it’s winter in Florida in December and no animals were observed – they were tucked up in the warm retreats within their enclosures. It was interesting to see a school bus in the car park as I am always keen to observe school excursions, gaging the educational content delivered to the group and finding out what the teachers and kids thought about it. Open to the public Thursday through Sunday, entrance fees adults $9.50, children $6.50, seniors $5.50 were reasonable I think. About an hour, maybe two, would satisfy most customers, especially if the visit was timed to see the venom extractions.

School children getting know an Eastern Indigo Snake Drymarchon couperi

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The public display cages where very well lit, informative and of excellent quality all round. A good selection of venomous and non-venomous snakes and lizards displayed including for wow factor a huge Diamond Back Rattlesnake Crotalus atrox, King Cobra Ophiophagus hannah, and Burmese Python Python molurus bivittatus.

Rattlesnake Crotalus sp Venom extraction display area

Venom extraction shows occur daily at 11.30am and 3.00pm, safely observed from behind massive glass windows where the snakes are milked only a few feet from the visitor. I have milked a few snakes (all Cobras) in my time for film/photographic projects, but this show is a big draw. It remains highly impressive to me, and all those watching, as one by one snakes are hooked from their containers, caught by the head and encouraged to bite the membrane over the glass apparatus. With some species like the Coral Snakes Micrurus sp all you got was a single, tiny, barely visible drop of creamy yellow venom; with others like the larger Rattlesnakes and Cobras a veritable rush of venom flowed to gasps of awe from the eager audience. Now obviously this is all not without risk – I didn’t talk with Carl specifically about the dangers but he has been bitten before and anti-venom is kept for all species they work with. After each extraction the venom was collected by pipette syringe, new clean apparatus put in place and the next snake or species brought out. This public demonstration lasted about 30 minutes and was watched by an open mouthed audience accompanied by an audio description of events, allowing Carl and his assistant to concentrate.

Milking a Coral Snake Micrurus sp – absolute concentration vital

Learning There is demand for snake venoms pharmaceutically, but WA does not have such a facility. Commercial venom production facilities can be successfully combined with engaging and entertaining wildlife education.

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Field Herping Daniel Parker, Sunshine Serpents, www.sunshineserpents.com Daniel Parker is a field biologist at the University of Central Florida. A committed herpetologist he studies, keeps and breeds a variety of species. I had arranged to meet Daniel in the car park of a fast food outlet in the small town of Moore Haven. Moore Haven is sited on the southwest shoreline of vast Lake Okeechobee. It is an agricultural part of the Everglades comprising some 2,000 square kilometers of sugar cane fields. This crop is in continual stages of growth and harvesting creating a vast maze of very lush 3 to 4m tall impenetrable growth, moderately lush fields or recently cleared areas. The whole landscape is a humid maze crisscrossed with contained rivers and numerous drainage ditches, all full of vegetative cover and alligators. Despite the intensive agriculture the area still supports a considerable population of wildlife, especially along the corridor waterways that must be a relatively safe haven from the cropping and burning activities in the adjacent fields. We even spotted an otter. I was accompanied by the family I was staying with in Florida, Sam, Tristan and their 10-year-old son Max. After a brief introduction and shuffling the snake bags, hooks, containers and water bottles around in his van we all jumped in and were driven by Daniel around the area to sites deemed suitable for snakes. Daniel was a knowledgeable naturalist and could name the birds and other creatures we encountered or hoped to see. We darted around the main roads, back roads and farm tracks for several hours. We stopped at various spots known to Daniel, looking under the covers that had been placed or dumped. Carpet, plastic or metal sheeting were all flipped in search of the increasingly illusive serpents. Daniel was dogged though and disappointed as our efforts failed to bear fruit; Kingsnakes Lampropeltis sp, Corn Snakes Elaphe sp, Racers Coluber sp or Garter Snakes Thamnophis sp were elsewhere today. Richard, a friend of mine in WA, had accompanied Daniel prior to my visit and had an array of photos with the snakes they had found. But today it seemingly wasn’t to be. I was reassuring Daniel that it didn’t matter: the tour, his company and the search in itself was fun. Success at last we find several baby yellow Rat Snakes Elaphe guttata, one even obligingly bites 10 year old Max - having been passed to him from me. A bite from a tiny baby non-venomous snake doesn’t hurt, draws a tiny amount of blood and non the worse will give Max something to tell his friends at school. A bit later on I find a more mature specimen. We didn’t get to see the range of snakes as hoped for, but this was a fun, interesting afternoon spent again with a passionate reptile expert. It was interesting to hear from Daniel about the invasive Burmese Pythons of the Everglades, the media tales, public perceptions and then what research has shown to actually be the case. So we are all much happier after an eventually successful afternoon and with photos taken we head back to our vehicle for the drive back to Daytona.

The Hunt for Elusive Herps in the Everglades Yellow Rat Snake Elaphe guttata

Learning As Daniel says a teacher should learn as much as a student on a tour. This was great fun, educational, off beat for non-snake people and a great unusual tourism idea. However, it would not be legal to do here in WA. Amazing how reptiles time and again favour artificial refuges over more natural ones.

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NEW MEXICO Albuquerque Biological Park ABQ - Rio Grande Zoo 903 Tenth St S.W Albuquerque New Mexico 87102 Douglas Hottle, Curator of Herpetology Michael Flud, Senior Reptile Keeper. This is a city-funded facility. Rio Grande Zoo is a facility of ABQ Bio Parks consisting of the Zoo, now more formally named ABQ BioPark Zoo, the Botanic Gardens, Tingely Beach and Aquarium. The management of venomous snakes in captivity was the focus of my visit to this typically large zoo and I was kindly given the opportunity to inspect the whole reptile department. Curator of Herpetology Doug Hottle and Senior Reptile Keeper Michael were very approachable and able to answer any questions asked. There is a good selection of reptiles displayed including a couple of large saltwater crocodiles. A nice zoo I thought, however the public experience of the reptiles was disappointing in that the main display area was a rather unwelcoming and unimaginatively decorated green walled room. The reptile cages themselves are good. Maybe this was due for further enhancement, I am not sure, but it didn’t inspire you to linger, even though it was cold outside. They keep a lot of venomous snakes here and their Snake Bite Safety protocol notices are a very effective idea. Behind the scenes each locked ‘Hot’ herp room (as in a room housing venomous species) has at least one alarm button that can be pressed in case of an incident. Each cage is also locked and has a species identification tag loosely attached, on which a coloured spot sticker relates to the type of anti venom required. The idea being that if bitten the alarm is easily raised - the card can be placed with the victim – anti venom secured from the zoo’s own collection and the patient better treated promptly on arrival at the hospital. The protocol notice also has phone numbers of local specialist snake bite doctors. New members of staff regardless of previous experience may not engage in any removal/handling of venomous species for the first six months on staff. Utilization of shift boxes here was another excellent safety measure. A shift box is a lockable shelter/container that can be attached to the outside of an enclosure and once a snake retreats into it can be secured. This minimizes the requirement to handle and secure an individual specimen by handlers. An extensive use of shift boxes is where possible employed particularly with the largest, fastest and feistiest species like Mambas, King Cobras, Bushmasters and Taipans. Like many zoos they are actively involved in conservation study and breeding of in particular local reptiles. A good selection of hooks and tongs where spotted throughout. Learning To avoid complacency in day to day venomous snake handling white board signs had cute little sayings such a “the doctor is ready to see you” on the entrance to the king cobra cage. Management protocols in place and enforced reduce risks with much emphasis on non-manual restraint of snakes practiced where and when possible by shift box usage.

ABQ BioPark Michael Flud with large shift box

for King Cobra management

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International Rattle Snake Museum 202 San Phipe N.W Albuquerque New Mexico 87104 Bob Myers Director Bob is the very engaging, pleasantly obsessive (he knows this) owner of this unusual museum sited in the historic Old Town area of Albuquerque (ABQ). What made this visit special is that Bob collects not just live Rattlesnakes but an array of snake related memorabilia including but by no means limited to comic books, snake books, film posters, beer cans, wine bottles, coins, stamps, paintings, sports jerseys even old Western style Snake oil medicine bottles. He also claims to display the largest collection of different species of Rattlesnakes in the world. As a visiting herpetologist my attendance was photographed by Bob and added to his file of other visiting herpers! I even had a form to fill out so my information, if not a part of my very soul, was added to his collection – I was surprised he didn’t collect any DNA but don’t give him ideas! Apart from anything else the graphics on his T-shirts, mugs and gifts are hugely popular with visitors. This place is so different from other snake collections as it is as much about snakes as icons in a cultural context as it was about snakes themselves. A very unique place, small maybe but a must visit if you like, hate, or are just curious about snakes. You are awarded a certificate of bravery for attending and I am surprised his style of museum has not been copied elsewhere. It works as it is not only a well thought out venue but has a passionate collector on hand. I have visited many, many world-class zoos, wildlife parks, serpentariums both privately and publically funded around the world. This one is different and surprisingly engaging for the visitor. A few tortoises, lizards including the venomous ones, beaded lizard and gila monster, and other specimens are inside too and Bob or an assistant is usually on hand to engage with. I enjoyed my trips (I returned to get more T shirts) and Bob and I have even engaged in a bit of swopping snake collectables. A must do if you are in ABQ.

Learning Passion is the key. Bob’s passion is evident throughout. No funding but earnings are through private endeavour. It puts to shame many public funded venues for initiative and creativity. Being more than just a serpentarium or reptile house, going above and beyond the usual zoo or animal exhibit, can result in a popular, educational and successful destination for visitors.

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CALIFORNIA Wildlife Learning Center (WLC) 15981 Yarnell Street Sylmar CA 91342 Paul Hahn and David Riherd, Cofounders Marisa Boyd, Compound Manager Danielle Webster, Office Manager Jennifer Cohen, Biologist I was looking forward to my visit to the Wildlife Learning Center (WLC) not just because it was a smaller venture providing outreach school programs and onsite education, but because it was also a break from reptiles. I was looking forward to seeing up close some less commonly encountered species Hands-on Tegu Lizard

like armadillos, sloth, serval cats, porcupine and kinkajous. I was not disappointed; WLC staff were welcoming on a very windy cold Los Angeles morning. I spent half my time in the offices talking with Danielle the pregnant Office Manager and Paul, one of the Cofounders. The other half of my visit was spent outside watching and assisting the many daily animal management demands with Marisa and Jennifer. All kindly gave of their time and expertise. WLC is a not for profit organization and this allows them to attract funding from sources that would not be available to a for profit company. Essentially I think they are able, like many similar not for profit organizations, to operate only because generous donations are forthcoming. You don’t need a whole day out at a major zoo to have an interesting and informative family wildlife experience, and this suburban centre provides that aplenty. WLC is well reviewed by the visiting public on tripadvisor.com and the visitors I saw were evidently enjoying their visit despite the bitter cold. WLC is a small, family friendly facility. WLC has 5 vehicles that are out daily during school terms, although the massive education cutbacks and other financial problems facing the state have apparently had an impact on the outreach programs. It was good to assist and accompany Marisa and Jennifer with some basic animal treatments such as mouthwashes, injections and feeding. It gives you a chance to observe others at work and see animal management systems in operation and talk shop with keepers. All staff at WLC are qualified biologists so a considerable body of knowledge is available for the management of the species under their care and at least one of the staff, Danielle, a product of Moorpark College, America’s Teaching Zoo. How I wish I could have attended that place when I was growing up. I was able to interact in limited ways with an array of creatures; I have always found sloths and kinkajous very interesting species so it was a delight to meet some again. I was able to participate as a visitor with a keeper talk on reptiles with a mature Tegu Lizard as the focus. WLC offer an assortment of educational Individual Animal Experiences for the visitor for a small fee and onsite school programs. I am grateful for the time given by founders Paul and David, and the information they shared, in particular a copy of their staff training manual, for which I am appreciative. Learning Once again passion for wildlife and for engaging and educating the public is evident not only throughout my visit but from all the staff. How lucky they all seemed to feel about their jobs and how aware that with more money and a larger location how much more could be achieved.

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LA Zoo 5333 Zoo Drive Los Angeles CA 90027 LAIR Exhibit - Living Amphibians Invertebrates and Reptiles Ian Recchio, Curator of Reptiles and Amphibians

This is a brand spanking new facility, a US$14.1 million project, housing 60 species from around the world, with 49 separate exhibits each decorated to closely resemble natural habitats. I was able to inspect it thoroughly both behind the scenes and from the perspective of a visitor. I had only a short time with Ian the Curator. He was a very busy man, having conducted a media interview before I arrived and whilst I was with him he was awaiting a writer and photographer from National Geographic Magazine, and also had other appointments scheduled during the day. Fortunately he

has a team of keepers to keep up with the maintenance of the facility. The LAIR principle building is 584m2 and the desert building 193m2. This is a major city with a large zoo and an impressive collection that was very well laid out, visually splendid and busy with tourists and local families as the holiday season was upon us. Even the benches were shaped like lizards or salamanders and the door handles and scale shaped entrance tiles were well themed. Much of the signage was in English and Spanish to cater for California’s large Hispanic population. Certainly it was the best in most considerations of any of the places I visited, although with only 60 species the selection was smaller than other sites. I am often surprised how good the smaller privately managed places like Medtoxin, Rattlesnake Museum and WLC are in comparison for the visitor experience, albeit on a different scale, especially when you consider their complete lack of state or federal funding. Once again the focus of my visit was the management of venomous snakes. To this end it was superbly equipped. Off exhibit reptile rooms were secure well insulated and ventilated. Architects and keepers had liaised well. On larger exhibits there are peepholes to see where a snake was before opening a door, good signage and locks on all the venomous species displays. Shift boxes are widely utilized. Plenty of snake hooks and tongs hung on the walls as well as waders for the many aquatic exhibits. As you would expect from a new exhibit it was all bright and clean, tidy and must be a great place for a herpetologist to work. Learning Money talks. With this kind of budget you would expect a great, well-equipped facility and this is the case at LAIR. The staff are committed and there is great behind the scenes equipment for safe management of venomous reptiles. Superbly equipped facilities and high levels of safety protocols were a standard feature of all reptile collections I visited in the States.

Stunning public gallery at LAIR.

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SNAKE BITE FIRST AID Part of the scope of my project was to investigate snake bite first aid. I am not medically trained and my research interest is limited only to the first response, in the field treatment – effective, up to date techniques that I can teach. Current recommendations are to seek emergency medical aid as soon as possible where patients are then treated symptomatically and tested for envenomation. Before being placed in the hands of a medical professional the current recommended first aid procedure comprises of the Pressure Immobilization Technique (PIT) developed by Professor Struan Sutherland in the 1970’s. Pressure-immobilization in principle delays lymphatic spread of toxins/venom and involves pressure bandaging over entire limb and immobilization of both the limb and whole patient (Sutherland SK et al,1979).

“Aim of first aid is to delay absorption of venom from bite site until the patient is in a facility that can administer adequate doses of anti-venom if required……Do not wash snake bite area” (Sutherland and Leonard 1995)

Its purpose is to retard the movement of venom thus “buying time” before medical care can be accessed. It is recommended for all species of Australian snakes and funnel web spiders, bee, wasp and ant stings in allergic individuals, blue ringed octopus and cone shell stings. In essence if treating a snake bite victim the procedure should be:

1. Calling or sending someone to get an ambulance. 2. Reassure and immobilize the patient. 3. Apply a broad pressure bandage from below bite site upwards on affected limb. Tight as if

treating a sprain. 4. Splint affected limb.

Through my Fellowship visits I have learned that there may be some cause to recommend a Bag Valve Mask (BVM) or Ambu bag mask as part of a good snake bite first aid kit for envenomations. BVM is a hand held device used to provide positive pressure ventilation to a patient not breathing or not breathing adequately. It could be a lifesaver when respiratory failure or arrest is a result of paralysis from an envenomation. In particular as CPR is difficult to maintain for long periods of time. Both courses I attended in Africa mentioned the use of BVMs, especially where transport to hospital may take some time. Breathing difficulties are most common within an hour or so of an envenomation. It would appear even novices can use them with basic training and they are relatively cheap. More personal investigation and medical opinion is required before I could recommend them, the same with antihistamines also mentioned on both courses. SNAKE CATCHING TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES Snake catching techniques as permitted to be taught in WA by DEC prohibits the teaching of any skin to scale methods such as tailing or necking a snake. We rely on specialist equipment to catch a snake, being mainly hooks and tongs supplemented with snake bags and bins for containment prior to release. I also recommend the use of snake bite proof gaiters (many snake bites are below the knee)to eliminate much of the risks involved. All snake catchers are recommended to wear long sleeves, long pants and work boots. We endeavour to provide best practice within our training as a condition of our contracts within the resource sector – fauna handling, especially snake capture, is after all an inherently very dangerous practice. The more induction and safety training courses I attend the more I agree with the general safety protocols employed by companies to protect staff. Risk management procedures - identifying a potential hazard and eliminating it – is one of the keys. So our recommendations are to be as fully equipped and thus protected as possible. Therefore, as many snake bites are below the knee, the

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wearing of snake bite proof gaiters eliminates that risk, and are now recommended by me as vital equipment. Overall having attended two snake catching courses overseas I am happy that my course and some others I am aware of here in WA are more satisfactory in content, with safety of persons and welfare of snakes major concerns. In both overseas courses similar hooks and tongs are the main tools for capture (although those seen were of lower quality) both also utilized bins (albeit of different effectiveness) for containment. The South African and Bostwanan courses differed in capture methods. Dr Tony Phelps encourages the use of tailing by hand combined with use of a hook for capture of cobras and other elongated snakes. Cobras are Elapids (a family of venomous snakes found worldwide) and closely related to our Australian elapid species. I see people in Australia also capture in this way but would only recommend it for more experienced or ‘working’ herpetologists rather than casual or work place captures. The tailing method always gets you much closer to a snake than I think is necessary. Tony believes rightly so in some instances that tonging can be felt as predatory and cause a snake to react aggressively – whereas once lifted off the ground by hand and hook many snakes are remarkably calm, being disorientated but not fearful. In Botswana Johan Marais mainly utilized tongs and hooks. Tailing of elongate snakes combined with use of hook was the main method I employed in the field in South Africa. Heavier stout bodied Puff Adders where caught and lifted using two hooks. Snake bags were not available or recommended on either course. However I think them part of an essential snake catchers kit, particularly well designed ones with added safety features such as handling tabs at the corners. I also think the 75ltr bins product code Sabco 78026 are better than any seen or used abroad and I would encourage others to utilize them. This particular model has a well placed central handle on the lid that keeps fingers away from the edge.

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CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Snake Management Techniques – Handling I was very pleased to find during my travels that my approach to managing – catching and containing – wild venomous snakes and other potentially hazardous reptiles is as good, if not better, than those encountered abroad. Our overall approach to safety is excellent. However, DEC should inform all licensed Reptile Relocators that full personal protective clothing and equipment (PPE) should always be worn. I am aware of many out there not well equipped in this area and not necessarily utilizing the best of equipment that is available. DEC should through consultation with licensed trainers develop and offer a recommended “kit” to reassert these findings. Badly equipped relocators are at risk of personal injury and give the wrong message to the public or companies they are assisting. Snake Management Techniques – Husbandry Safe snake management techniques are essential for both handler and public safety. The most effective scenario is for venomous species to be kept in key locked secure housing, the key held or accessible only to authorized, trained personnel. The room that contains the snakes is also key locked. Although potentially frustrating and time consuming. These methods seen in practice are very effective at minimizing exposure to harm for all involved. Here in WA key locked cages in a key locked room are part of the licensing requirement as issued by DEC. This approach is to be supported. Utilization of shift boxes would be a further excellent safety measure to implement where possible. This minimizes the requirement to handle and secure an individual specimen by handlers, particularly useful when dealing with the largest, fastest and feistiest species of venomous snakes. Additionally an appropriate first aid kit should be accessible at all times in each and every “hot” (as in potentially dangerous) herptile room. Relocators should also carry at all times an appropriate first aid kit. Organizations keeping venomous species long or short term should have clear incident management protocols in place and these should be clearly displayed in livestock holding areas. Protocols should include key names and numbers. Where exotic (non native) species are kept, adequate antivenom should be available for transportation to hospital with a patient. And / or arrangement made with the local hospital to stock the appropriate antivenom. Everyone concerned should have knowledge of each others systems so any incident is managed for the best outcome. Key personnel, medical and herpetological, should be available 24 hours a day for consultation should an incident occur. First Aid Pressure immobilization bandaging, though contested by some experts, is still the standard approved first response technique on offer to the general public. It is cheap and easy to provide, requiring only elasticated bandages and basic training to be considered as effective first response treatment. I would like, in time, after consultation with various medical bodies and toxicologists to recommend antihistamine and Ambu bags as worthy additions to a kit. I would also like to upgrade bandages to Setopress – high compression with marked indicators - for better initial vascular compression, but this also needs to be clarified before DEC, St Johns Ambulance and others promote their use and inclusion in first aid kits. The added cost of these items would be marginal – the added benefit to an envenomated individual potentially quite considerable.

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Venom Research Western Australia should develop a venom production laboratory and tourist facility to both showcase our infamous most deadly creatures and for venom extraction for general medical research and antivenom production. This could support local consumption and for use in neighboring developing countries such as Papua New Guinea and Indonesia. World Health Organization lists snake bite as a neglected tropical disease (WHO 2013). Maybe some of our overseas aid budget could be directed to such a venture. It would be of immediate benefit to many, especially those living and working in rural parts of SE Asia. Educational Programs My experience with educational content whilst engaging public interest in wildlife matters overseas has reassured me of three things:

1. Contact with wildlife is what people desire. Contact brings the issues to life quite literally and people are increasingly urbanized and detached from natural, wildlife interaction. The contact, when well managed using species and individuals of suitable temperament is invaluable in reaching out to individuals.

2. Presenter – whether using PowerPoint, other visual aids or simply talking to a group, it is enthusiastic and knowledgeable individuals that can engage people and retain their attention. Keep it simple and impress on them your enthusiasm for the subject. Don’t overdo the facts, figures and scientific names.

3. In WA we are very restricted in terms of wildlife education and have a remarkably bureaucratic licensing system with regard to the care, management and breeding of many native species. It is very easy to keep and interact with non native, or exotic / introduced animals such as cats, rats, rabbits and mice, but impossible in many cases to keep any native species, from stick insects to quokkas. I think a major overhaul and radical rethink of wildlife conservation laws is long overdue. More public access to native species would be of immense benefit to many species that are heading for local if not total extinction. The public does care, can help, and facilitate species recovery. The average family, community and our greater environment would be the better for a new approach to wildlife management in this state. WA is well behind the rest of the country in this regard.

Wildlife conservation is not something that happens outside of people. People desire contact and engagement with nature through various leisure activities such as, camping, boating or pet keeping and all are capable of being pro-conservation activities. Increasingly our capacity to interact and engage with wildlife and assist conservation in our own communities is being taken from or denied us through licensing prohibition and bureaucracy. In WA we seem in my mind to specialize in denying and reducing personal input into wildlife conservation issues. We are unable in WA to keep even a stick insect as a pet, and almost totally restricted in keeping and breeding other suitable native animals. We are in danger of ensuring future generations do not in any way engage directly with our natural world. Without engagement and attachment it will have no value to us and with no value it becomes lost – sold. Conservation of wildlife starts with appreciation. Many of us begin this journey through interaction with the animals we have around us or in our homes. Our pets, be they the wildlife we attract and feed in the garden or keep indoors. Many individuals and academics have supported the keeping of native animals as pets, they could provide a great source of companionship, and of income across our society as foods and equipment are developed to support their care and, unlike a pet cat for example, an escaped Quokka poses little to no threat to the environment that it once inhabited anyway. Also many currently endangered species could with support from the public in this way be brought back from the brink of extinction. Little harm would result from at least trying this approach with a few species before it is too late and they are gone forever.

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Dissemination I will present my findings at the WA Herpetological Society meetings and publish my report on the Animal Ark website. I plan to author articles related to best practice snake management for reptile and OHS magazines. I will be seeking specialist medical advice in terms of recommended first aid practice I will be incorporating these findings into my current wildlife education programs and training courses. We continually update these courses and programs to ensure the most up to date and relevant information is included and will be approaching DEC and other organizations for endorsement of any changes. We will also work towards National Accreditation of current wildlife education courses, thus extending both reach and output. We will be improving support material on all wildlife courses and school incursions. I will encourage regular contact between licensed Wildlife Educators in Australia to promote exchange of knowledge and best practice. I will approach West Australian Museum and other publishers to author books on living with, and the identification of wildlife in our communities. Continue to promote the keeping and breeding of native species as alternatives to introduced species. Continue to educate and enthuse all sections of the community about wildlife and conservation issues. References Marais, Johan (2004) A Complete Guide to the Snakes of Southern Africa, Struik Publishing Phelps, Tony (2010) Old World Vipers, Chimaira Sutherland SK et al (1979) Lancet 1:183.

Sutherland SK & Leonard RL (1995) MJA 163:616-620.

World Health Organization (WHO 2013) http://www.who.int/neglected_diseases/diseases/snakebites/en/