Snake handling workshops for Rescue Teams

Last week we had a great opportunity to spread conservation through education. It wasn’t the first time we’ve participated in this kind of work, but it is always refreshing and satisfying considering the impact it has and the enthusiasm showed by the team and participants.

The local Rescue Service in Nakhon Ratchasima encounter snakes on a regular basis and are generally the first port of call for snake call outs in the province. It is therefore necessary for the safety of these individuals and the conservation of snakes for appropriate training in snake handling and ecology. The general knowledge we pass on about snakes and even the occasional dispelling of myths is then pass on further by the rescue teams to the public.

So in collaboration with Sakaerat SERS and คณะวิจัยงูสะแกราชเพื่อการศึกษาและการอนุรักษ์ – SCSET a training day was organised by SCSET and took place in SERS. The day consisted of educational presentations followed by some practical skills training with the snakes. The snakes we used on the day were Oriental Rat Snake (Ptyas mucosa), Reticulated Python (Malayopython reticulatus), Malayan Krait (Bungarus candidus) and Monocled Cobra (Naja kaouthia).

A good day done at Sakaerat Environmental Research Station!

Thank you to all involved and we look forward to educating more of the rescue team in Nakhon Ratchasima and others in the future! If you would like more information and/or would like to take part in this kind of training please get in touch with the Sakaerat Najas Project and we will happily help where we can.

: With Mr. Mee who is our connection with Rescue Teams (on left)

: Mr. Mee handling Green Pit Viper Trimeresurus macrops

: We present how to claim down Oriental Rat Snake Ptyas mucosa

: Braking the ice and fear of snakes. Snake used is non venomous Oriental Rat Snake Ptyas mucosa

: Introduction to the handling equipment.

: The technique of directing the snake to a pipe leading into a bag is demonstrated nicely here. This method takes advantage of the snake’s natural instinct to find cover.

: The technique of directing the snake to a pipe leading into a bag is demonstrated nicely here. This method takes advantage of the snake’s natural instinct to find cover.