Tips for safeguarding the general public from venomous snakes, notably the blunt-nosed viper (Macrovipera lebetina) which may trigger severe penalties for people if its venom enters the physique via a chew, are supplied by the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environment to the general public forward of the summer season interval.
It advises that if somebody encounters a venomous snake, they need to not panic or try to disturb or kill the snake, however moderately calmly transfer away.
Generally, the Ministry recommends that through the summer season months when somebody is outdoor, they need to put on excessive footwear and lengthy trousers for defense in case they step on a snake. It additionally suggests utilizing a stick or pole to disturb the grass/bushes in order that something current is moved away from one’s path. It explains that snakes have the flexibility to understand floor vibrations at excessive intensities and can depart on their very own.
In the occasion that somebody is bitten by a snake, it recommends going to the closest hospital with as few actions as potential.
In Cyprus, as acknowledged within the Ministry’s announcement, there are eight species of snakes, three of that are venomous, with solely the blunt-nosed viper thought of harmful to people. It provides that the remaining snake species are fully innocent to people.
It clarifies that two species of snakes, the Montpellier snake (Malpolon insignitus) and the cat snake (Telescopus fallax), possess venom however it isn’t potent sufficient to trigger severe hurt to people.
Highlighting that snakes, like many reptiles, play a big function in sustaining ecological stability in nature, as lots of them feed on and regulate populations of organisms thought of dangerous to people, comparable to numerous insect and rodent species, and represent a vital a part of biodiversity and the ecosystem, the conservation of which is extraordinarily essential, it encourages the general public to learn in regards to the snake species current in Cyprus and the suitable response strategies in case they’re encountered.
