AN expert on amphibians and reptiles at the Mweka College of African Wildlife Management in Moshi Rural District has urged the public to be cautious about snakes during this period of excessive heat.

Tito Lanoy, a lecturer at the regional wildlife facility, said in an interview yesterday that negative effects of the heat include its impacts in connection with reptiles like snakes, urging the public to be careful with snakes during hot days.

“Snakes are cold-blooded, which means they regulate their body temperature according to environmental changes, including heat and humidity," he said, explaining that heat affects snake activity such that during hot days they seek shelter, water and food in human settlements.`

With intense heat, especially in the northern parts of the country, communities should be aware of likelihood that snakes may creep unto their settlements.

"Clear all bushes near your living areas. Always remember to close your doors when leaving home, or use a zipped tent if you are camping," he said, partly in the direction of tour operators.

"Be cautious at all times when placing your hands or feet anywhere," he stated, specifying the need to avoid reaching into unknown holes or beneath exposed objects as a snake may hide underneath. “Use a flashlight to check," he said.

He similarly cautioned against sleeping in exposed areas to bushes or sitting on the ground as a snake may creep up unnoticed and strike anyone it meets along the way.

Wear high leather boots when walking or working in dense vegetation," he advised, elaborating on “not attempt to capture or handle highly venomous snakes unless you are a trained expert."

"If you are camping, take extra precautions near ponds and other areas where snakes are commonly found," he said, also advising that if one encounters a snake, “back away slowly and avoid touching it," as if that is the first reaction that comes to mind, observer noted.

As wildlife experts issued this caution, the Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) said that temperatures are likely to remain high in many areas during the coming week.

During the past week, temperatures in Dar es Salaam reached 35°C, while cooler regions such as Mbeya and Arusha recorded 25°C and 26°C highest temperatures, with the highest temperatures in some regions dropped slightly at the weekend. 

Dar es Salaam recorded a shifting week-long average from 35°C to 33°C, with other highs including Arusha at 26°C, Dodoma with 29°C, Mbeya at 25°C, Mwanza reaching 30°C, Tanga at 33°C, Kigoma at 29°C, Iringa at 28°C, Njombe at 22°C, Tabora at 30°C and Zanzibar reaching 32°C, the agency added.