Conservationists face significant challenges in changing public attitudes and behaviors toward snakes. The Wild Snake Project in Kenya is one such initiative dedicated to this cause. During a visit to Kenya for The Living Desert’s Building Community Conservation Success workshops, conservation social scientist Katie Shaw took the opportunity to meet with partners at The Wild Snake Project.
The project has developed an educational curriculum on snakes and teaches students from nearby communities about their importance and ways to coexist with them. Students participate in weekend sessions at an eco-camp that includes instruction and nature walks. Staff members Mirthe and Dixon provided Shaw with a tour of the camp, eagerly searching for snakes to showcase their passion. Although they did not find any snakes during the visit, they encountered other reptiles like chameleons.
The region hosts numerous venomous snake species, and without proper knowledge, people often kill all snakes out of fear. However, snakes are crucial for maintaining ecological balance. Unique species such as the Kenya horned viper are found only in this region. In addition to education, The Wild Snake Project conducts biological research to monitor snake populations and engages in habitat restoration efforts.
The Living Desert supports The Wild Snake Project by evaluating its educational programs to improve future curricula. Collaborating with the Wild Nature Institute, a long-time partner of The Living Desert, these efforts extend snake education into northern Tanzania as well. Data collected from hundreds of students who participated in these programs will be analyzed by The Living Desert to ensure that snake education remains effective and engaging.