A Global Day to Celebrate, Understand, and Protect Snakes
World Snake Day, celebrated annually on July 16, is a special day dedicated to raising awareness and spreading education about snakes and their vital role in our ecosystems. Despite being misunderstood and feared by many, snakes play a crucial part in maintaining ecological balance. They help control pest populations, serve as both predators and prey in food chains, and are even used in scientific and medical research.
Why World Snake Day Matters
This day is not just for herpetologists or wildlife enthusiasts—it’s for everyone. Snakes are found on every continent except Antarctica, and many species are under threat due to habitat destruction, illegal wildlife trade, and persecution. By taking time to learn more about these creatures, we can reduce fear, dispel myths, and foster coexistence.
Snakes in Tanzania
Tanzania is home to a diverse range of snake species, including both venomous and non-venomous types. From the famous Black Mamba and Puff Adder to harmless house snakes, these reptiles inhabit forests, grasslands, wetlands, and even urban areas. Each species plays a unique role in the environment.
Unfortunately, due to lack of knowledge, snakes are often killed on sight—even when they pose no threat. World Snake Day is an opportunity to change that narrative through education and outreach.
6 common Myths vs. Facts
- Myth: All snakes are dangerous.
- Fact: Most snakes are non-venomous and avoid humans.
- Myth: Killing snakes is the best way to stay safe.
- Fact: Learning how to identify and avoid them is safer and more sustainable.
- Myth: Snakes chase people.
- Fact: Snakes only defend themselves when they feel threatened.
How You Can Help
- Learn more about local snake species.
- Share educational content on social media to change negative perceptions.
- Support conservation programs and snake rescue organizations.
- Report sightings instead of killing snakes—especially if the snake is non-aggressive.
Join the Movement
The Tanzania Herpetological Society is actively involved in snake conservation and education. On World Snake Day, we call upon communities, schools, and conservationists to organize awareness events, workshops, and social media campaigns to promote understanding.
Together, let’s change fear into knowledge and conflict into coexistence.
Happy World Snake Day!
2. Snakes are a Natural Form of Pest Control.
As predators, snakes keep prey populations in balance. For example, rodents reproduce exponentially in the absence of predators, as long as there is plenty of food. This is particularly true in environments dominated by humans.
The University of Nebraska estimates that mice cause $20 million in damage annually in Nebraska! Most people try to control these pests with chemicals which end up polluting the environment. Snakes provide an easy, environmentally friendly, free and natural pest control service.
Another example, Mole Snake, Brown House Snake, Rufus Beaked Snake etc in Northern Tanzania eat rodents who are hosts to ticks and flea. Those ticks and flea are a vector for Lyme disease, which is a dangerous bacterial infection that can be transmitted to humans. When the snakes reduce the rodent populations, the prevalence of Lyme disease in the environment is reduced.
3. Tourist Attraction
While most visitors visit Tanzania and other destinations for safaris, there are numerous other places such as Meserani Snake Parks many places where you can see the snakes in the cages and hold the harmless one and gain the experience
4. Snakes Deserve our Respect and Appreciation.
Snakes, while feared around the world, are also revered and celebrated in many cultures. In some societies snakes are often viewed as good fortune and in others, the snake created the world. Being predators, the benefits of snakes are now being recognized as providing humans with an ecological service. However, snakes are seriously under threat. Some snake species have become threatened due to habitat destruction, urban development, disease, persecution, unsustainable trade and through the introduction of invasive species. Many snake species are endangered and some species are on the brink of extinction. As a society, we do not have to love snakes, but we can at least respect their right to exist without harm and appreciate their vital role in maintaining Earth’s biodiversity.
Thanks to all our environmental partners of Barrick Gold Mine, Geita Gold Mine, followers and subscribers of our social media who make us strong and proud! With your help we’re slowly dissolving the ignorance and myths surrounding snakes and spreading snake awareness and education far and wide.