The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has urged members of the public to stop indiscriminately killing snakes, saying the re...
HARARE — The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has urged members of the public to stop indiscriminately killing snakes, saying the reptiles play an important role in maintaining ecological balance, biodiversity and healthy ecosystems.
The authority also warned that encounters between people and snakes are likely to increase as human settlements continue to expand into natural habitats and environmental conditions change.
In a statement to mark World Snake Day on Thursday, ZimParks said the annual event is observed to raise awareness of the ecological importance of snakes, promote public safety and encourage peaceful coexistence between people and wildlife.
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“World Snake Day is observed annually on July 16 to raise awareness of the ecological importance of snakes, promote public safety, and encourage peaceful coexistence between people and wildlife,” the authority said.
ZimParks said snakes are an important part of Zimbabwe’s biodiversity and contribute significantly to the health of the environment by controlling populations of rodents and other small animals.
The authority said this natural role supports agriculture, protects public health and helps maintain the stability of ecosystems. It added that the presence of snakes is often an indication of healthy habitats and functioning food chains.
“Snakes are an important part of Zimbabwe’s biodiversity. They help maintain ecological balance by controlling populations of rodents and other small animals, thereby supporting agriculture, public health and the stability of natural ecosystems. Their presence in the environment is often an indicator of healthy habitats and functioning food chains,” ZimParks said.
Zimbabwe is home to a wide variety of snake species, with the authority noting that most are non-venomous and generally avoid contact with people. However, some venomous species can pose a danger when disturbed or encountered accidentally in homes, schools, workplaces, fields and recreational areas.
ZimParks said rising temperatures, changing habitats and increasing human activities in wildlife areas are expected to result in more encounters between people and snakes, making public awareness and preparedness increasingly important.
“As temperatures rise, habitats change and human activities expand into natural areas, encounters between people and snakes may increase, making awareness and preparedness essential,” the authority said.
The authority urged members of the public not to kill snakes when they encounter them. Instead, it encouraged people to keep a safe distance, avoid provoking or attempting to handle the reptiles and seek assistance from trained wildlife personnel, local authorities or emergency services.
“On this World Snake Day, the Authority urges members of the public not to kill snakes indiscriminately. Instead, people should keep a safe distance, avoid attempting to handle or provoke snakes and contact trained wildlife personnel, local authorities, or emergency services for assistance where necessary,” ZimParks said.
Communities were also encouraged to reduce the likelihood of snake encounters by keeping their surroundings clean. Recommended measures include clearing debris around homes, sealing openings in buildings, storing food securely and controlling rodent populations that attract snakes.
ZimParks also provided guidance on responding to snakebite incidents. It advised people to remain calm, minimise movement, remove tight clothing or jewellery near the bite area and seek immediate medical attention.
The authority warned against harmful first-aid practices such as cutting the wound, attempting to suck out venom, applying tight tourniquets or relying on unverified traditional remedies, saying these actions can worsen injuries and delay proper treatment.
The appeal comes as Zimbabwe joins the rest of the world in commemorating World Snake Day, with ZimParks encouraging greater appreciation of the role snakes play in nature while promoting safe coexistence between communities and wildlife.
