Through the Save The Snakes Support Grant Program, Save The Snakes supported Dickson Katana in 2025 to gather valuable data on an endangered snake species and raise awareness about snake conservation through education initiatives. His project aims to create a long-term monitoring program and mitigate the conflict between humans and snakes, leading to more harmonious coexistence in regions where snake persecution is common.
Project Title:
Long-Term Monitoring of the Mount Kenya Bush Viper (Atheris desaixi): Population dynamics, habitat use and conservation threats
Project Summary:
Dickson Katana’s project is designed to establish the first long-term monitoring program for Atheris desaixi, a rare and endangered snake species endemic to the forests of Mount Kenya. Using visual encounter surveys and photographic identification, the project aims to monitor individual snakes and assess their habitat use, population status, and threats.
In addition to field research, the project includes an education and awareness component to help communities living near the viper’s habitat better understand snakes. Through workshops and school outreach, Dickson and his team will educate children and adults on snake ecology, conservation, and first aid for snakebites. Surveys before and after these activities will assess the change in perception and the effectiveness of the training.
By gathering essential data and empowering local communities, this initiative not only works to protect the Mount Kenya Bush Viper but also contributes to reducing human-snake conflict and fostering a culture of coexistence.
Aims and Objectives:
The main goal of this project is to establish the first long-term monitoring program for the Mount Kenya Bush Viper (Atheris desaixi) using visual encounter surveys and photographic identification. To achieve this, Visual Encounter Surveys (VES) will be implemented in targeted forest fragments to collect standardized data on snake presence, abundance, and habitat conditions. Each sighted individual will be photographed for identification using WILD-ID software, which recognizes unique scale patterns, allowing us to monitor individuals without invasive methods. In addition to field surveys, he will also collect distribution data by combining historical records and local knowledge and develop a detailed distribution map, identifying key habitats for surveying to confirm the species’ exact range.
Furthermore, the team will work with local schools and communities to raise awareness about snakes, their importance, what to do when encountering a snake and snakebite first aid. The impact of these initiatives will be measured through surveys conducted with participants to track changes in their attitudes toward snakes and assess the effectiveness of the training. The insights gained from this feedback will help refine the project for future implementation and expansion to other regions.
Goal:
The primary goal of this project is to assess the number of Atheris desaixi in the local forests based on previous data. This will be done using visual and photographic surveys. The project will also aim work with local communities, particularly children, to educate them about snakes and evaluate their perceptions after education events.
In addition to the immediate goal of research and education, the project seeks to create a conservation action plan for the Mount Kenya Bush Viper (Atheris desaixi) and other species that live in the forest habitats including Mount Kenya hornless chameleon (Kinyongia excubitor), Meru Tree Snake (Thrasops schmidti), Irangi Puddle Frog (Phrynobatrachus irangi) and efforts will also benefit more common forest inhabitants such as Colobus Monkeys, Dik Diks and Forest Hogs.
Support Snake Conservation:
We would like to send our most heartfelt thanks to Dustin Howland for supporting Dickson’s project. Dickson Katana’s project is a recipient of the 2025 Save The Snakes Support Grant Program. Save The Snakes Support Grants are made possible because of the generosity of compassionate people and organizations who are inspired and dedicated to protect threatened snake populations and mitigate human-snake conflict around the world. Please donate today to help Dickson to continue his vital work and expand conservation efforts in Kenya. Thank you for your support!
