Snakes, Safety, and Shared Knowledge: Building Awareness at Loisaba

On 12th April, Loisaba Conservancy hosted a one-and-a-half-day community snake awareness training at the Chui Mamas Centre, in partnership with Watamu Snake Farm and the Taylor Ashe Antivenom Foundation (TAAF). The session brought together 110 participants from Koija and Chui Mamas communities, as well as staff from across all Loisaba departments—including our tourism team and guides—for a practical and engaging learning experience.

Snakes are a vital part of the ecosystem, but in many parts of Kenya—including Laikipia—they are also a source of fear, injury, and in some cases, fatal encounters. This training aimed to change that: by increasing understanding, sharing safety strategies, and equipping participants with the tools to respond appropriately in case of an encounter or snakebite.

Learning to Identify, Not Fear

Battersby's Green Snake (Philothamnus battersbyi) - Non Venomous © Taro Croze

Puff adder (Bitis arietans) - Venomous © Sarah Weston

Day one of the training introduced participants to the biology, ecology, and behaviour of snakes commonly found in the region. Trainers guided attendees through the differences between venomous and non-venomous species, how to identify them safely, and why many play a critical role in maintaining ecological balance.

The sessions were practical and participatory—built around real examples and even live demonstrations. For many attendees, especially community members and field staff who regularly encounter snakes, seeing these animals up close and in a controlled environment was a first—and an important step in reducing fear through knowledge.

The sessions included live demonstrations to show safe handling techniques

First Aid and Prevention: What to Do, What Not to Do

Day two focused on what to do when things go wrong. Participants learned evidence-based first aid protocols for snakebites, key do’s and don’ts in emergency situations, and the importance of timely response and professional treatment.

The training also addressed scorpion stings—another concern in this landscape—by introducing basic identification of dangerous species and response techniques. These sessions were reinforced with a video and hands-on demonstrations, including the "hands-off" method of snake removal, a core principle of the TAAF approach to safe and humane management.

A Shared Investment in Safety

This training was more than just a knowledge session—it was a step toward building safer communities. By equipping guides, rangers, community members, and support staff with this training, we are strengthening the collective capacity to prevent, respond to, and reduce fear around snake encounters across the conservancy and surrounding villages.

Snakebite remains a neglected tropical health issue in Kenya, particularly in rural areas. Initiatives like this not only fill a knowledge gap, but also serve as a reminder that safety and conservation go hand in hand—and that empowering people is central to both.

As one participant put it, “Before, I was scared. Now I know what to do.”