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Background
Venomous snakebite and its effects are a source of fear for people living in southern Nepal. As a result, people have developed a negative attitude towards snakes, which can lead to human-snake conflicts that result in killing of snakes. Attempting to kill snakes increases the risk of snakebite, and actual killing of snakes contributes t...
Contexts in source publication
Context 1
... conducted a cross-sectional survey using semi- structured and pre-tested questionnaires, qualitative and quantitative research methods [41,42] from January- February 2013. We performed personal, formal, and face- to-face interviews of 150 randomly selected respondents with a mean age of 37 years (range = 15-79) using a voice recording device and visual stimuli (i.e., A4-sized color photographs of adult snakes known to be distributed in the vicinity of CNP; Fig. 2, Table 2) [43]. We also included photographs of neonate and juvenile snakes for species with ontogenetic variation in color patterns. ...
Context 2
... encircled the corresponding assigned snake photo numbers (i.e., 1-28) following their re- sponses and noted names of respective snakes if they were able to identify the species. We crosschecked their replies with a corresponding list of snakes (Table 2) and published sources [44] during data entry. ...
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Herpetofauna and humans have interacted since ancient time in many aspects. These animals face numerous problems to survive with the urbanizing world. This becomes a great challenge for the conservation of the herpetofauna. Although many studies are being carried out on herpetofauna, very few studies have investigated the herpetofaunal interaction...
Herpetofauna and humans have interacted since ancient time in many aspects. These animals face numerous problems to survive with the urbanizing world. This becomes a great challenge for the conservation of the herpetofauna. Although many studies are being carried out on herpetofauna, very few studies have investigated the herpetofaunal interaction...
Citations
... One factor that may hinder species literacy is the fear of herpetophobia (da Silva et al., 2021;Reynolds et al., 2018). Fear is often based on myths or ignorance, reducing the ability of students to identify species (Mutya & Inocian, 2024;Pandey et al., 2016). As a result, many students feel hesitant or anxious when they deal with herpetofauna, although they play an important role in the ecosystem. ...
Species literacy and species identification skills are important to protect diversity and are issues in Sustainable Development Education. Fear of animals, especially herpetofauna, makes students avoid them and makes it difficult to study them. Based to the literature study, citizen science has the potential to solve this problem. This study aims to determine the impact of citizen science on species literacy, species identification skill, and fear of herpetofauna. This study included 44 biology education students from PGRI Silampari University who were studying Vertebrate Zoology classes. The data on species literacy was obtained using essay questions. Reports provided information on species identification skills. A questionnaire was used to collect fear data on the herpetofauna. The instrument used was declared valid and reliable. Species identification ability data was analyzed based on species resulting from citizen science activities. Species literacy data were analyzed descriptively and using the Wilcoxon Signed Rank test. Literacy increase data is calculated using the N-Gain Score. The results obtained show that 1) Species literacy data after the Wilcoxon test obtained sig. <0.05. The N-gain analysis obtained was 0.72 in the high category. 2) The herpetofauna identification data was 71.23%, indicating that students skills are passable in identifying species. The results of citizen Science activities showed that a maximum of 17 species were caught and a minimum of 6 species; 3) The Wilcoxon test revealed a significant difference in fear of herpetofauna (sig. < 0.05). Therefore, it can be concluded that Citizen Science significantly increases students' species literacy, identification abilities and reducing students' fear of herpetofauna. Keywords: citizen science, species literacy, species identification skill, herpetofauna.
... In many South Asian cultures, snakes, particularly cobras, are revered and associated with Hindu mythology, where they are linked to deities (Allocco 2013). However, snakes are also feared and perceived as dangerous, leading to both protective and retaliatory actions against them (Pandey et al. 2016). Similarly, cultural narratives surrounding bird species, particularly owls, varied from reverence to superstition, with owls often linked to both wisdom and misfortune depending on the cultural context (Rashid et al. 2021). ...
Home gardens are often the initial points of interaction with urban wildlife for many city residents. The presence of wildlife in these gardens is influenced by physical characteristics, such as size, plant diversity, and by human factors, such as attitudes towards urban wildlife. This study, conducted in the South Indian city of Bengaluru, seeks to understand the attitudes and perceptions of gardeners towards commonly found wildlife in their home gardens. Additionally, it aims to explore how these attitudes impact the potential of urban home gardens to support wildlife in cities. Since, attitudes towards wildlife can impact the activities carried out in the garden, such as the use of chemical pesticides and the implementation of physical barriers to prevent animals from entering the garden. Sixty home gardeners were interviewed to gauge their attitudes towards wildlife encountered in their gardens. Grounded theory was employed to identify the main themes emerging from the interviews. The central theme that emerged was ‘multifaceted interactions with urban wildlife shape gardens as shared spaces between humans and wildlife.’ The study revealed mixed perceptions, with some animal taxa being seen as desirable and others as sources of conflict. Despite this, home gardens were generally viewed as shared spaces where wildlife was considered an integral part of the garden. A key component of this study highlights the importance of preserving home gardens for sustaining urban wildlife, as large urban green spaces continue to dwindle in cities like Bengaluru. These areas serve as green refuges not only for wildlife but also as primary spaces for people's interaction with nature.
... However, much of this fauna is threatened with extinction due to anthropogenic impacts on their habitats, including habitat loss and fragmentation, introduction of invasive species, pollutants, and climate change (Diele-Viegas et al. 2020;Ramalho et al. 2022;Luedtke et al. 2023;With et al. 2024). Additionally, fears, beliefs, myths, and a lack of accurate information about their behavior (Frynta et al. 2019;Musah et al. 2021) can make it difficult to raise awareness among the population due to their preconceptions (Pandey et al. 2016;Onyishi et al. 2021). In this way, social media has the potential to demystify and raise awareness of animal groups that are often neglected by society. ...
Social media posts can enhance public understanding of biodiversity by promoting species discovery and raising awareness of its importance. Here, we evaluated the representativeness of amphibian and reptile species published on Instagram profiles and discussed the role of social media in publicizing these animals. We analyzed Brazilian profiles that regularly published photos of herpetofauna on Instagram between 2015 and 2021. We identified 1,739 images of 597 amphibian species, mostly anurans, and 2,036 images of 532 reptile species, mostly squamates. The number of images is strongly correlated with the number of amphibian and reptile species featured on Instagram profiles. The species featured in the posts tended to reflect the actual richness of the herpetofauna from Brazil, with a tendency toward species described in earlier taxonomic studies. Endemic and native Brazilian species appeared more frequently, most of which were not classified as threatened. As a result, endangered species were underrepresented in posts, indicating the need for more content highlighting their conservation. These actions, however, should be approached cautiously due to the risks of inadvertently exposing species targeted by the illegal wildlife trade. Finally, we discuss strategies to optimize social media posts to ensure they fulfill their potential in supporting biodiversity conservation.
... [17,18] The result of the study is consistent with the findings of another study [6] that shows the majority of respondents believed that treating snakebites with conventional medicine or herbs is beneficial to most people. Another study conducted by [19] disagreed with these results, which discovered that a sizable portion of participants in Nepal did not think of consulting a faith healer or quack for treatment following a snakebite. Other related studies indicate that 75% of snakebite victims in Pakistan, 61% in Maharashtra, India, and 86% of victims in Bangladesh [20] still consult traditional healers. ...
BACKGROUND
Snakebite is a serious life-threatening health crisis in many parts of the world. Snakebite is still a major cause of morbidity and mortality, especially in areas where a considerable portion of the population works primarily in agriculture, which raises the risk of coming into contact with snakes. Health professionals should have a thorough understanding of the most efficient approaches to managing the occurrence of snakebites. To assess nurses’ knowledge about management therapy for snakebites and assess the efficacy of an educational program designed to improve nurses’ understanding of management therapy measures for snakebites while working in the emergency department.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The current study employed a quasi-experimental design. The sample size is 70 nurses in the emergency department utilizing a pre-test/post-test methodology to assess changes between the control group (35) and the study group (35) after implementing the educational program. The research was conducted between December 2023 and March 2024. The study population was all emergency department (E.D.) staff nurses available during data collection. It worked in E.D. for over a year in Al-Shamiya General Hospital—Diwaniyah Health Directorate, Iraq.
RESULT
The educational program demonstrates a remarkable impact on the knowledge of the nurses in the study group, as evidenced by the substantial and statistically significant difference in post-test scores ( P < .001).
CONCLUSION
At post-evaluation, the knowledge of emergency department nurses regarding management therapy for snakebite had been enhanced after the implementation of the educational program.
... 9 A varying number of venomous snake species reside here, hence identifying snake species accurately can help prevent snakebite and reduce the likelihood that a victim will receive numerous bites. 10 Although the exact number of snake species in Bangladesh is still unknown, it is assumed that 33 different types of venomous snake species exist; among them most the commonly reported snakebites occurred from the green pit viper ( Trimeresurus albolabris ), krait ( Bungarus caeruleus ) and cobra ( Naja naja ). 11 -13 However, research revealed that there was a lack of understanding regarding the recognition and categorization of venomous snakes. ...
Background
Bangladesh has a high rate of snakebite. In rural areas, there is a significant mortality and morbidity rate due to lack of awareness and inappropriate first aid practices. This study aims to determine the knowledge and practices of the rural population in two subdistricts of Bangladesh regarding snakebite prevention and first aid measures.
Methods
This cross-sectional survey is part of an intervention study that was carried out in 250 randomly selected primary sampling units of Shibganj in the Chapainawabganj district and Kalapara in the Patuakhali district of Bangladesh. We enrolled a total of 2954 participants. The practice and knowledge were regarded adequate when the score exceeded 50%. We conducted a binomial logistic regression to identify the factors associated with inadequate knowledge and practice.
Results
The community's knowledge (15.9%) and practice (14.5%) regarding snakebite prevention was insufficient. More than 77% and 45.4% of respondents believed that applying a tourniquet above the bite site and seeking a traditional healer after a snakebite were effective first aid measures. Poor knowledge was more likely to occur in farming, fishing, homemaker groups and those with lower incomes (11 000–24 000 Bangladeshi taka). Negative practices were associated with females and high family income.
Conclusions
This study highlights the necessity of community intervention, with a focus on appropriate first aid and prevention measures through widespread education.
... Many biotic and abiotic factors affect the life of animals. Snakes are top of the list of misunderstood, mistreated, feared, or killed animals (Pandey et al., 2016). According to a study of students conducted in America, it was determined that the probability of people killing poisonous snakes they encounter was 36%, the probability of killing non-poisonous snakes was 9%, and the probability of killing any snake was 21% (Vaughn et al., 2022). ...
Global climate change affects the physical, morphological, and behavioral
characteristics of reptiles. Sometimes reptiles may undergo spatial changes
to cope with global climate change. Under the influence of global climate
change, reptiles show many different responses, including habitat shifting,
range expansion, habitat loss, or extinction. In this study, 117 locality
records of Montivipera xanthina were used in conjunction with the
program MaxEnt within the context of current (1981–2010) and five
different future (2071–2100) climate change predictions (GFDL-ESM4,
IPSL-CM6A-LR, MPI-ESM1-2-HR, MRI-ESM2-0, and UKESM1-0-LL)
in two shared socioeconomic pathways (ssp126 and ssp585). Further,
habitat probability analysis was conducted for all predictions. The gainloss analysis suggests that M. xanthina will lose 28.90% and 59.89% of the
current distribution range under ssp126 and ssp 585 scenarios, respectively.
The Bosphorus, Taurus Mountains in the Mediterranean region, Marmara
region, and the Peloponnese were recovered as suitable areas of occupation
in all future scenarios.
... Inappropriate perception, the practice of unproven traditional methods and inadequate knowledge about snakes and snakebites may increase mortality due to snakebite envenoming. 4,5 However, most of these deaths are preventable, and hence community awareness is crucial. This study focused on the assessment of the level of knowledge on first aid measures, diagnosis and prevention regarding snakebites among medical students, who will be part of the healthcare providers in the future. ...
Introduction: Snakebite is a global health problem and important medical emergency encountered in many parts of the world with considerable morbidity and mortality. Knowledge and awareness about snake bite directly impacts outcome. Aims: To assess the knowledge about first aid, diagnosis and prevention of snake bite among medical students. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among the MBBS students of Nepalgunj Medical College. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to assess the knowledge about first aid, diagnosis and prevention of snake bite among medical students of both non-clinical and clinical group. Results: Total students enrolled were 321. Among them 230 (71.7%) were male and 91 (28.3%) were female with male preponderance Majority of students belonged to clinical level 61.4% as compared to non-clinical 38.6%. Regarding first aid knowledge, majority of clinical students responds correctly as compared to non-clinical. Clinical diagnosis of snake on the basis of recognizing signs and symptoms, both clinical and non-clinical groups had satisfactory response. Similarly regarding preventive measures, results showed majority of the students from both the groups were aware about preventive measures against snake bite. Conclusion: Both clinical and non-clinical students have adequate knowledge regarding clinical diagnosis and preventive measures against snake bite but first aid knowledge was more among clinical students. Integrating snake bite topic from early non-clinical stage will positively reflect on the care for snakebite victims.
... A falta de informações mais precisas sobre esses répteis, associada ao medo, favorece o extermínio de serpentes peçonhentas e não peçonhentas, causando assim a redução das espécies, visto que e-ISSN nº 2447-4266 Palmas, v. 10, n. 1, 2024http://dx.doi.org/10.20873/uft.2447 são consideradas em sua totalidade como perigosos (Cosendey & Salomão, 2016;Pandey et al., 2016;Batista & Volpi, 2020;Moreira et al., 2022). ...
As serpentes causam medo e repugnância em grande parte da população em vista a vários fatores, dentre eles, crenças, mitos, lendas, mas principalmente aos relacionados a acidentes com serpentes peçonhentas que desencadeiam sintomas graves contribuindo para o extermínio desses animais. Portanto, o objetivo deste estudo foi verificar se os saberes da população rural influenciam na prevenção dos acidentes ofídicos. A pesquisa foi qualitativa do tipo semiestruturada, realizada a partir de um roteiro para a condução das interlocuções, que foram gravadas, transcritas e efetuada a análise das falas. As entrevistas foram realizadas com moradores da zona rural do município de Porto Nacional – TO. A análise permitiu compreender os saberes dos moradores a respeito das serpentes e que esses conhecimentos contribuem para a diminuição desses acidentes.
... Killing snakes has a downstream ecological impact on the environment. Due to the threat that snakes pose in communities where SBE is common, they are more likely to be killed [47]. Therefore, it is critical to conserve snakes to promote their support in agriculture while saving lives from SBE. ...
Background
A specific phobia is an anxiety disorder that is characterised by persistent and excessive fear in the presence of the object of the phobia. Animal phobias are the most prevalent forms of specific phobia among humans. Fear of snakes (snake phobia) is present in non-human primates which suggests its evolutionary origins as the ability to detect the threat of snakes was critical for survival. Snake phobia is a critical factor in protecting snakes and mitigating snakebite burden. To date, only one standardised psychometric test [the Snake Questionnaire (SNAQ) developed in 1974] has been used to quantify snake phobia although this was not performed in snakebite-endemic countries. In this study, we aimed to determine snake phobia in India, where snakebites and resulting deaths, disabilities and socioeconomic impacts are high.
Methodology/Principal findings
A modified version of the SNAQ (i.e. SNAQ12), which has previously demonstrated internal consistency, excellent reliability, and good discrimination between phobics and non-phobics in Europe was used in this study. SNAQ12 was developed both in English and Tamil and validated by testing on several individuals. Then, the final questionnaire was disseminated to members of the public through various methods including social media and in person through academic and clinical organisations. We received a total of 2032 responses, comprising 1086 [53.4%] males and 946 [46.6%] females, and these data were analysed to determine various aspects of snake phobia in the study population.
Conclusions/Significance
The results demonstrated good internal consistency in using SNAQ12 to determine the phobia amongst the tested population. The data suggests that males are more snake-phobic in all age groups than females in India, in contrast to previous research that suggested that females are usually more snake-phobic. No other critical factors contribute to snake phobia in this study population. The use of the SNAQ12 allowed us to easily discriminate between individuals with phobia and non-clinical controls. This tool can be used as part of the One Health approach to better understand the relationships between snake phobia and snakebites and their impact on the mental health and well-being of vulnerable populations.
... Snakes often have a negative connotation among rural communities worldwide [10]. For centuries people have been taught that snakes bring death and misfortune [12][13][14]. Poor understanding and knowledge of venomous and non-venomous snake species and their ecological importance result in all snakes, even harmless species being regarded as dangerous and requiring rapid removal (mostly killing) [15,16]. Some snakebites occur when attempting to remove or kill the snake as the snake feels threatened and will attempt to defend themselves via biting. ...
Background
Human-snake conflicts are common worldwide, often resulting in snakebites. Snakebite envenoming causes over 125,000 deaths and 400,000 permanent disabilities worldwide every year. India alone accounts for an average of ~58,000 annual snakebite-induced deaths. As human developments rapidly expand into suburban and rural areas, snakes are being displaced and incidences of residents finding snakes within their dwellings are increasing. Most people have an innate fear of snakes, compounded by centuries of negative influence from culture and mythology manifesting in people often attempting to kill snakes. Snake rescuers are volunteers who remove and relocate snakes to safe areas. This is a risky job that poses potentially fatal implications if bitten. These volunteers mostly receive no financial compensation for their time or transportation costs, but they choose to do it for their love of snakes, conservation, and for the altruistic nature of helping others. Snake rescuers often receive no formal training and are unfunded resulting in removing snakes improperly without adequate safety equipment or the required skill set to safely complete the task. Therefore, it is critical to determine their challenges and requirements to promote the safe rescue of snakes while protecting human lives.
Methodology/Principal findings
In this study, we developed an online questionnaire and interviewed 152 snake rescuers in Tamil Nadu, India following written informed consent to determine their challenges and needs for rescuing snakes safely. The results demonstrate that most rescuers are males, and they conduct snake rescues for varying lengths of time. They mostly receive no formal training and are bitten by snakes. They spend their own money on the purchase of snake-handling equipment and on treatments if bitten or injured during a rescue.
Conclusions/Significance
The rescuers highlighted the urgent need for formal training, safety equipment and standard protocols for rescuing snakes in Tamil Nadu. Overall, this study demonstrates that snake rescuing should be appropriately regulated by the authorities, in particular the Wildlife Division of State Forest Departments in India, and formal training along with necessary equipment, medical insurance and appropriate recognition should be provided to them to safely remove snakes from human dwellings and manage the safety of both snakes and humans. They can also act as educators to disseminate information about the preventive and first aid measures for snakebites as well as the ecological importance of snakes.
