New species of semi-aquatic cobra described from the Democratic Republic of the Congo

A new species of semi-aquatic cobra, Naja nana sp. nov. has been described from Lake Mai-Ndombe in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The new species, know as the dwarf water cobra is locally abundant and is thought to be endemic to the region. According to the researchers – Marcel Collet and Jean-François Trape […]

Relocating Black Mambas in Swaziland

The following true story is re-blogged with permission from Thea Litschka-Koen from the Swaziland Antivenom Foundation. It’s early February, the weather is unbearably hot and humid. I am absolutely exhausted after a long day at Simunye Club; and call-outs to remove problematic snakes have been endless. It’s only 18:00, but I have already rescued 6 […]

Snakebite in Swaziland: Q&A with Thea Litschka-Koen

Snakebite is a neglected ‘disease’ of circumstance, that primarily affects some of the world’s poorest people. Bites are common in rural areas of tropical and sub-tropical developing countries and often affect agricultural workers and children. Antivenoms are essential in the treatment of dangerous snake bites, yet they are expensive and require refrigeration, making them difficult […]