AMANDI INVESTMENT LTD

WESTERN GHANA RAILWAY PROJECT

ISO 14001:2015 AND ISO 45001:2018 MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Document Title:

BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT TRAINING – SNAKE MANAGEMENT

Document Preparation and Approval:

DESIGNATION NAME SIGNATURE DATE
Prepared by: Environmental Officer - R. Ocran APPROVED 01/06/23
Biodiversity

Reviewed by: Environmental & Safety E. Appiah 02/06/23

Manager

Approved by: Project HSE_S Manager A. Joubert 02/06/23

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 TRAINING MANUAL FOR SNAKE MANAGEMENT – BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT

SNAKES

Snakes are elongated, limbless, carnivorous reptiles of the suborder Serpents.

Most species of snake are nonvenomous and those that have venom use it primarily to kill and subdue prey
rather than for self-defense. Some possess venom that is potent enough to cause painful injury or death to
humans. Nonvenomous snakes either swallow prey alive or kill by constriction.

There are more than 3,000 species of snakes on the planet and they are found everywhere except in
Antarctica, Iceland, Ireland, Greenland, and New Zealand. About 600 species are venomous, and only about
200 are able to kill or significantly wound a human. Snakes keep pest populations under control. Many
snakes feed on pests such as mice and rats, which are disease vectors and will reproduce exponentially
unless the population is controlled by regional predators. Snakes also maintain balance in the ecosystem.

Types of snakes spotted/reported on site

1. Black mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis): is a species of highly venomous snake with a maximum
length of 4.5m which is both terrestrial (ground-living) and arboreal (tree-living); it is a shy snake
but is quick to strike repeatedly if cornered. The Black mamba snake receives its name from the
black coloration inside of its mouth, rather than their skin color which is a grey to olive tone.
Symptoms of bite
 local pain in the bite area
 tingling sensation in the extremities,
 drooping eyelids (eyelid ptosis),
 tunnel vision,
 sweating,
 excessive salivation and
 Lack of muscle control (specifically the mouth and tongue). If
the victim does not receive medical attention, symptoms
rapidly progress to nausea, shortness of breath, confusion and
paralysis, convulsions, respiratory failure and coma and then
death.

2. Green mamba (Dendroaspis angusticeps): is a long, thin, and highly venomous snake species of the
mamba genus, the snake is bright green fading to yellow or orange towards the tail in coloration.
Mostly diurnal, the green mamba spends most of its time in the forest canopy, at times at
considerable height, though on occasion commonly go to the ground. When it wants to sleep it
seeks out tree branches that offer dense cover. It generally retreats if encountered.

Symptoms of bite

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  local pain and swelling
 local necrosis
 ataxia,
 headache,
 drowsiness,
 difficulty breathing,
 vertigo,
 hypotension (low blood pressure),
 diarrhea,
 dizziness, and
 Paralysis.
Left untreated, new and more severe symptoms rapidly progress. All symptoms worsen and
the victim eventually dies due to suffocation resulting from paralysis of the respiratory
muscles.

3. Black cobra (Naja melanoleuca): The forest cobra also commonly called the black cobra, is a
species of venomous snake in the family Elapidae. It is a very capable swimmer and is often
considered to be semi-aquatic. This species is alert, nervous and is considered to be a medically
significant snake. Although it prefers lowland forest and moist savanna habitats, this cobra is highly
adaptable and can be found in drier climates within its geographical rang
When cornered or molested, it will assume the typical cobra warning posture by raising its fore body
off the ground, spreading a narrow hood, and hissing loudly. Bites to humans are less common than
from other African cobras due to various factors,
though a bite from this species is a life-
threatening emergency.
Symptoms of bite
 Ptosis
 drowsiness,
 limb paralysis,
 hearing loss,
 inability to speak
 dizziness
 ataxia
 shock
 hypotension
 abdominal pain
 fever
 Pallor, and other neurological and respiratory symptoms.

4. Python: Pythons are nonvenomous snakes of the genus of constricting snakes in the Pythonidae
family native to the tropics and subtropics of the Eastern Hemisphere. They are ambush predators

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 that primarily kill prey by constriction, causing cardiac arrest. Pythons are oviparous, laying eggs
that females incubate until they hatch.
Pythons are poached for their meat and skin and can carry diseases, such as salmonella and
leptospirosis, which can be transmitted to humans through excreted waste, open wounds, and
contaminated water.

Signs of attack
 Pythons will typically strike at and bite
their prey of choice to gain hold of it;
 Physical strength to constrict their prey,
by coiling their muscular bodies around
the animal, effectively suffocating it
 Swallowing whole

PRECAUTIONS TO AVOID SNAKE BITES ON SITE

 Protective gear: Wear the appropriate PPEs such as rubber boots/Safety boots and gloves while on
site.
 Flashlight: Rechargeable torches could help you see better during night time
 Avoid dark corners: Snakes seek out shady or dark places where they can rest and cool down
 Know your snake prone area: Find out more about your local snake species and about the habitats
they prefer
 Do not disturb a snake: Snakes do not bother anyone if left alone
 Do not imitate TV shows: Handling snakes takes immense practice and skill, which is not always
portrayed on television

DO’S AND DON’TS OF SNAKE BITE ON SITE

Basic Steps to be taken in case of a bite

 Raise alarm/ call for emergency (inform HSE personnel on site/ Foreman)
 Apply a bandage on the bite site covering the bite and the area around it. The bandage should not
be too tight
 Place a splint while bandaging, to avoid joint movements
 Avoid unnecessary and sharp movements such as running and walking
 Transport the victim to the nearest hospital for treatment

What not to do after a snake bite

 Do not panic when bitten as this would make matters worse

 Do not make any cut, scratch or incision, leave the bite alone
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  Do not suck the wound, it is a myth and medically not advisable
 Do not apply an ice pack to the bitten area
 Do not use a tight bandage or tourniquet

PLEASE TAKE NOTE

 A snake bites when they feel threatened: Leave the snake alone and maintain safe distance until
professional rescuers reach the location
 Many of the bites are by accident: Snakes do not intend to attack, chances of a bite are accidental
and/or if provoked
 No snake bites in revenge and follows you: Snakes do not have the memory to recognize or
remember anyone

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