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International Journal of Tropical Medicine

Cheap Net-Traps to Reduce Risk of Venomous Snake Habu (Protobothrops flavoviridis) in Okinawa Island, Japan
Masahiko Nishimura

Abstract: Practical cheap tools are required to protect the inhabitants of the Okinawa and Amami Islands, Japan against encounters and bites of the venomous pit viper snake Habu (Protobothrops flavoviridis) in their houses and the surrounding environment. In this study, the researchers conducted laboratory and field experiments to identify the most effective net settings (i.e., mesh size and short supported nets versus long unsupported nets) for capturing Habu. We found that short net-traps of approximately 1 m in length with 25 mm mesh were the most effective with Habu being captured at a rate of >1 snake per 10 m net length per year in the field. This tool which is cheap and easy to maintain, entangles few non-target animals and applicable to reduce risk of other venomous snake species permanently in residential and farming areas.

How to cite this article
Masahiko Nishimura , 2011. Cheap Net-Traps to Reduce Risk of Venomous Snake Habu (Protobothrops flavoviridis) in Okinawa Island, Japan. International Journal of Tropical Medicine, 6: 77-80.

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