Hiral Naik- Doctor of Philosophy
- Research and Conservation Manager at Save The Snakes
Hiral Naik
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Research and Conservation Manager at Save The Snakes
About
6
Publications
2,857
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54
Citations
Introduction
I am a PhD graduate with a primary interest in snake ecology, evolution and behaviour. My current work focuses on using assessing the behaviour and ecology of venomous snakes in relation to snakebite. I am also a conservationist working to mitigate human-snake conflict and use science based education tools to educate others about snakes.
Current institution
Save The Snakes
Current position
- Research and Conservation Manager
Additional affiliations
February 2025 - present
February 2021 - February 2025
Position
- PhD
Description
- My PhD research focused on the behavioural ecology of medically important snake species and snakebite epidemiology in South Africa
January 2015 - July 2017
Education
January 2021 - January 2025
January 2015 - January 2017
Publications
Publications (6)
The Colubroidea includes all venomous and some nonvenomous snakes, many of which have extraordinary dental morphology and functional capabilities. It has been proposed that the ancestral condition of the Colubroidea is venomous with tubular fangs. The venom system includes the production of venomous secretions by labial glands in the mouth and usua...
Background
Snakebite is a public health challenge that has a substantial impact on humans and snakes. Annually, millions of people are affected by snakebite globally but there is a paucity of detailed data on snakebite incidences. The aim of this study was to assess the patterns of snakebite incidences in South Africa.
Methods
We collected data fr...
For gape‐limited predators like snakes that swallow their prey whole, large‐bodied species with wide gapes should theoretically be able to consume a more diverse range of prey than smaller species with narrow gapes and, therefore, may have broader diets. However, in cases where large‐bodied species exclude small prey, their diets may not necessaril...
Snakebite incidence at least partly depends on the biology of the snakes involved. However, studies of snake biology have been largely neglected in favour of anthropic factors, with the exception of taxonomy, which has been recognised for some decades to affect the design of antivenoms. Despite this, within-species venom variation and the unpredict...
Understanding some of the factors that have shaped the evolution of diet in the snake family Lamprophiidae. These factors include fang types, body size and lifestyle
