With summer holidays in full swing, the University of Pretoria’s zoology experts share animal-friendly safety tips to help eco-tourists coexist with nature while reducing risks in outdoor spaces.
Image: Annalise Tingler / Pexels
As South Africans prepare for outdoor adventures this holiday season, eco-tourism safety is a critical focus.
Dr Carel J Oosthuizen and zoology master’s student Rüchelle Moolman from the University of Pretoria’s (UP) Department of Zoology and Entomology have outlined actionable tips for harmonious and safe interactions with wildlife.
Their guidance emphasises the importance of respecting often-feared creatures, such as snakes, scorpions, spiders, and ticks, highlighting their ecological significance and providing strategies to minimise conflicts.
Silent Guardians of the Ecosystem Contrary to their fearsome reputation, snakes are not naturally aggressive.
They play a vital role in controlling pest populations, such as rodents, and prefer to avoid human interaction. Species like the brown house snake are particularly beneficial and harmless.
Eco-tourists should remain vigilant in snake habitats, watching their steps to avoid startling camouflaged species like the puff adder. Identifying a snake’s potential danger — such as distinguishing between fanged, venomous species and non-venomous ones — is essential.
“If bitten, immediate medical attention is crucial,” says the researchers.
Tools like the African Snakebite Institute’s resources can aid identification and prevention.
Nature’s Pest Controllers Scorpions, with their distinctive pincers and stingers, provide valuable pest control but can pose a risk if provoked.
South Africa’s scorpions are categorised into two families: Buthidae, which includes venomous species, and Scorpionidae, with larger pincers and weaker venom.
“Observing the scorpion’s anatomy, particularly the thickness of its tail and size of its pincers, can indicate its potential risk,” Moolman advises.
Simple precautions, such as checking shoes or camping gear, can prevent stings. For safe relocation, scorpions can be captured using a container and released outdoors.
Often misunderstood allies although all spiders possess venom, most bites are harmless.
Button spiders and sac spiders are among South Africa’s few medically significant species, but they are reclusive and unlikely to bite unless provoked.
Recognising spiders like the button spider — easily identified by its hourglass marking — can help reduce unnecessary alarm.
“Many spiders are natural predators of pests, contributing to ecological balance,” says Oosthuizen.
Simple measures, such as capturing and releasing spiders found indoors, support this balance.
Hidden Hazards in Nature Ticks, though small, are notable for transmitting diseases like tick bite fever. They thrive in grassy or wooded areas, latching onto passing animals or humans.
Wearing protective clothing, using repellents, and conducting thorough tick checks after outdoor activities are vital.
If a tick is found, its removal should be careful and precise to avoid increasing infection risks.
Ticks serve as food for wildlife and play a role in pest control, underscoring their ecological importance despite their hazards.
UP’s experts stress that a calm, informed approach to wildlife reduces fear and fosters coexistence.
By taking simple precautions and respecting animals’ roles in ecosystems, eco-tourists can ensure safe and memorable outdoor experiences while contributing to biodiversity.
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