African Snakebite Institite, is owned and run by Mr Johan Marais, a internationally known herpetologist and who is the author of numerous books on snakes and reptiles in Southern Africa, the most popular being his best seller A Complete Guide to Snakes of Southern Africa. Among some extraordinary achievements Johan has been a member of the Crocodile Specialist Group of the Species Survival Commission of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, the Treasurer of the Herpetological Association of Africa and being the Chairman of the Southern African Reptile Conservation Assessment. He was also the founder and sole owner of the Fascination Books chain, which was the largest book chain in South Africa with a total of 42 branches throughout the country. In 2005, Johan Marais along with William R. Branch and Mark-Oliver Rödel helped to find a new species of Girdled Lizard called Cordylus meculae (Now that is something to be proud of!).

 

Through ASI, Johan offers a variety of courses throughout SA to people who are more interested to learn, understand and respect our herpetofauna. This includes venomous snake handling, reptile awareness and identification courses, First Aid for Snakebite and Emergency Procedures, Corparate talks and demonstrations as well as Reptile Safaris for enthusiasts who want to get out in the field and do some photography. Johan is registered with the Field Guides Association of South Africa and is a endorsed Training Provider. His snake awareness and snake handling courses are approved by NOSA who are global leaders in health, safety and environmental management. He is also accredited by the International Society of Zoological Sciences and Travel Doctor and is the appointed Snake Expert for Tygerberg Hospitals Poison Information Centre. The new Advanced Snakebite First Aid Course which also covers scorpion sting and spider bite has already been launched and is doing extremely well with full bookings.

African Snakebite Insitute offers a variety of Snake Handling Equipment, posters, books and clothing to the public. You can access their pricelist by going to this link. Some of the posters are free to download and you can acquire them at the downloads section located here.

 

Once a month Johan publishes his ASI newsletter which is a "must read" for any reptile enthusiast. The newsletters offer valuable information and are a great source of education. I have learnt so much just from reading these newsletters, so I highly recommend them. You can access the PDF's on ASI's website by clicking on this link and scrolling down to the Newsletters: Reptile News section. Alternatively, sending Johan a email at jmsnakes@gmail.com and asking will add you to the subscription list and you will receive it via email as soon as it is published.

I highly respect Johan Marais and everything that he has accomplished and achieved in the herpetological trade, he has made a huge impact to the awareness of herpetofauna not only to South Africa but abroad as well. I regard him as a extremely humble person and have the utmost respect for his dedication towards Reptile Conservation.