Through the Save The Snakes Vijayan Devan Southeast Asian Snake Conservation Grant Program, Save The Snakes supported Worawitoo Meesook in 2024 to address the critical issue of human-snake conflict in Yala Province, Thailand. By empowering local trainers with accurate snake knowledge and safe handling skills, the initiative aims to foster a culture of coexistence and reduce the unnecessary killing of snakes.
Project Title:
Training Workshop for Trainers: Enhancing Snake Knowledge and Handling Skills
Project Summary:
Worawitoo Meesook’s project aims to address the critical issue of human-snake conflict in Yala Province, Thailand. In many cases, fear and lack of knowledge about snakes result in indiscriminate killing of these animals, disrupting the ecological balance. The project will focus on providing accurate snake knowledge and handling skills to selected trainers who can further disseminate this information within their communities. By educating rescue personnel, who often deal with human-snake conflicts, the project aims to equip them with the necessary skills to handle snakes safely and reduce the risk of both snake and human fatalities.
The workshop will be a collaborative effort involving educators from Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya, members of the Asorapit Wittaya serpentology club, and research assistants from Khon Kaen University. Thirty participants will be selected for the training, which will cover two days and one night. Topics will include snake ecology, safe handling techniques, and effective communication skills for educating others. Through this effort, the project hopes to establish a network of trainers who will continue to promote snake conservation and safety, ensuring long-term sustainability of the initiative.
Aims and Objectives:
The primary aim of the project is to reduce human-snake conflict in Yala Province by training a group of qualified individuals who can then serve as trainers within their respective communities. By equipping rescue workers and other relevant stakeholders with knowledge about snake behavior and ecology, the project seeks to reduce the unnecessary killing of snakes, while also minimizing human injuries caused by snake bites. This will be achieved by providing practical, hands-on training in snake identification, safe handling, and relocation techniques.
Another objective is to foster collaboration among participants by creating opportunities for networking and the exchange of information between local organizations. The training sessions will include guest speakers and experts who will share their expertise on snake conservation, which can be further disseminated by the trainees. By creating a knowledgeable group of trainers, the project aims to expand its impact beyond the initial participants, ensuring the knowledge gained is continuously passed on to others in the region.
Goal:
The overall goal of this project is to empower the participants to become leaders in snake conservation and safety within their communities. By teaching safe snake-handling techniques and providing in-depth knowledge of snake biology, the project seeks to reduce the frequency of snake killings and snake bite incidents. This will not only contribute to snake conservation efforts but also ensure human safety. The project will focus on training rescue workers who already have some experience in snake handling but lack formal education on snake behavior and ecology.
Beyond the immediate goal of training 30 participants, the project has a broader vision of creating a ripple effect throughout Yala Province. By establishing a network of trained individuals who can share their knowledge, the project aims to promote a more informed and positive attitude toward snakes across multiple communities. The long-term success of the project will be evaluated based on the reduction of human-snake conflict, the effective dissemination of knowledge, and the establishment of ongoing collaboration among local organizations.
Support Snake Conservation:
Worawitoo Meesook’s project is a recipient of the 2024 Save The Snakes Vijayan Devan Southeast Asian Snake Conservation Grant Program. Save The Snakes 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 Save The Snakes support even more snake conservationists to continue their vital work. Thank you for your support!
