Through the Save The Snakes Support Grant Program, Save The Snakes supported Agustina Anahí Barrutieta in 2024 to raise awareness about snake conservation through education and training. Her project aims to mitigate the conflict between humans and snakes, leading to more harmonious coexistence in regions where snake persecution is common.
Project Title:
Mitigating Human-Snake Conflict in the Argentinean Pampas
Project Summary:
Agustina Anahí Barrutieta ’s project is designed to address the increasing human-snake conflict in Argentina’s Pampas region, where expanding human activities and a fragmented landscape have led to frequent interactions between people and snakes. The indiscriminate killing of snakes—most of which are harmless—is largely driven by misinformation and fear. Barrutieta’s project will focus on raising awareness about the ecological importance of snakes, particularly among schoolchildren, tourists, and local authorities such as park rangers and firefighters. Through a series of educational workshops and training sessions, the project will teach the public how to safely manage snake encounters and promote respect for these animals.
By targeting four key locations—Tigre, Berisso, Tandil, and Sierra de la Ventana—the project will address areas with high levels of human activity and snake diversity. Agustina’s team will conduct surveys before and after the educational activities to evaluate their effectiveness. The project aims not only to prevent snake killings but also to ensure that people living in or visiting these areas are equipped with the knowledge and tools to avoid snake bites. In doing so, this initiative will contribute to the conservation of Argentina’s snake species and mitigate the harm caused by human-wildlife conflict.
Aims and Objectives:
The main goal of this project is to significantly reduce the human-snake conflict in the Pampas region by raising awareness of snake conservation and safety practices. To achieve this, educational programs will be delivered in both primary and secondary schools to help children understand snake behavior, their ecological role, and how to peacefully coexist with them. These programs will not only engage students but will also train teachers to continue imparting this knowledge long after the project’s completion. Beyond the schools, public workshops will target key communities and tourist sites, where the risk of human-snake interaction is high.
Furthermore, the project will provide training for key stakeholders such as civil defense personnel, park rangers, firefighters, and ecological police. These individuals are often the first responders to snake encounters and will be taught how to safely manage and relocate snakes without causing harm. 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 reduce human-snake conflict in key areas of the Argentine Pampas by at least 50%. This will be accomplished through a comprehensive education program that targets schoolchildren, the general public, and local authorities in regions where snake encounters are most frequent. The project will not only aim to reduce the indiscriminate killing of snakes but also foster a greater appreciation for their ecological role in controlling pest populations and maintaining biodiversity.
In addition to the immediate goal of reducing conflicts, the project seeks to create lasting change by cultivating a culture of coexistence between humans and snakes. By equipping local communities with the knowledge and tools needed to manage encounters safely, the project will contribute to long-term conservation efforts in the Pampas. As educational initiatives take root, it is expected that the attitudes toward snakes will shift, leading to a sustainable decrease in harmful practices. The project’s ultimate success will be measured by changes in public perception, a reduction in snake killings, and fewer snake bite incidents.
Support Snake Conservation:
Agustina Anahí Barrutieta’s project is a recipient of the 2024 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 Agustina to continue her vital work and expand conservation efforts across the Pampas. Thank you for your support!
