While snake farming is thriving in regions like Asia, it has received minimal attention from mainstream agricultural scientists. Could snake farming represent a flexible and efficient solution for agricultural food security? There are many opportunities snake farming offers.
Researchers who studied two large python species over 12 months on farms in Thailand and Vietnam, found that python farming is well established in these parts of the world, yet remains relatively understudied by mainstream agricultural science.
According to Dr Daniel Natusch, a researcher and director of EPIC Biodiversity, ectotherms, or cold-blooded animals, are approximately 90% more energy efficient than endotherms.
This high efficiency translates into a potential for higher production efficiency in agriculture.
Source of protein
“Snakes are a traditional source of protein in many tropical countries, and their consumption is linked to important food, medicinal, and cultural values.
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“Over the last two decades, snake farming has expanded to include more species, production models, and markets, partly due to competitive agricultural advantages,” he said.
Some of the reasons for the recent expansion of snake farming include:
- Minimal land and freshwater requirement: Some snake production systems require minimal land and freshwater resources.
- Utilisation of waste protein: Snake farming can rely on waste protein from other industries, making it environmentally sustainable.
- Specialised adaptations: Some snake species have specialised adaptations for mitigating the impacts of environmental shocks.
Moreover, reptile meat, much like chicken, is high in protein, low in saturated fats, and has widespread aesthetic and culinary appeal.
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Conservation efforts and safety
Meanwhile, in South Africa, Neville Wolmarans, founder of Ndlondlo Reptile Park in KwaZulu-Natal, said they aim to promote reptile conservation. Their snake park is a base for research, rehabilitation, education, and training.
“We want to involve the public in conservation. Establish and maintain a facility that can operate as a base that can be used as a research station, rehabilitation centre, education and training centre,” he said.
Ndlondlo Reptile Park offers various services, including training and tours for interested visitors.
“Training is probably the most powerful tool in our conservation drive. Every person that comes through this training programme leaves equipped. Every equipped and competent person is a great ambassador,” he said. “They are all going to be aware of reptile conservation. This has a ripple effect.”
Antivenom production
Snake farming, with its efficiency, potential for conservation efforts, and contribution to antivenom production, is proving to be a valuable and sustainable industry in South Africa and worldwide.
Donald Schultz, founder of Snake Pharm South Africa, has developed a method that produces antivenom in an hour using a biomimicry process.
His research, initiated in the United States in 2013, led to successful results in 80 dogs, and a patent was filed in 2019. . Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife granted Schultz a research permit to conduct further research, and his facility in Hluhluwe was approved by the state vet.
Schultz plans to set up another facility in Ballito with the help of Neville Wolmarans of Ndlondlo Reptile Park. This new facility aims to develop a pipeline for veterinary antivenom production and alleviate the strain on the diminishing availability of antivenom for humans.
“Our current antivenom crisis is not new but I think we can mitigate it,” Schultz said.
“These snakes can save lives. Vets across the province have expressed interest,” said Wolmarans, is was proud that they had been able to produce the first-ever antivenom for the vine snake.
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