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Venom Centre
The venom centre provides clean dried venom for the production of Anti-Venom in South Africa.
Courses
Venomous reptile capture and handling courses are by far one of the most successful projects LVS is involved with.
Reptile Recovery
When I moved to the Lowveld in 2003 my natural interest in reptiles quickly pushed me into the local ring of Herpers.
Rodent Sales
We take a lot of pride in our rodent facility at the venom centre.
Capturing Equipment
We use high quality equipment that is safe for animals and for the environment.
About LVS
LVS is like a huge gravid 4,1 meter female Southern Rock python (Python natalensis).
A snake that has been holding eggs for a long time.Every activity that LVS is involved in can be compared to a single one of these eggs laying inside the body of this big snake.
The Team
Director
Chris Hobkirk
Manager: Venom Extraction
Baarend Bloem
Manager: Education Department
Anneka van Schoor
Volunteer Manager
Andrew Geldenhuys
Snake Activity Levels
Snake activity level is high between the months of September and march. Be cautious and contact LVS reptile recovery for assistance with unwanted visitors.
Current Events
South African Snakebite Symposium
In June 2017, the World Health Organisation (WHO) categorized snakebite envenomation into the Category A of Neglected tropical diseases. The reclassification will allow access to new funding, paving the way for broader and deeper research, and it should expand the accessibility of antivenoms.
In South Africa, high-risk groups for snakebite envenomations include rural agricultural workers, herders, fishermen, people living in poorly constructed houses and those with limited access to education and healthcare. In these disadvantaged communities, children are often affected whilst sleeping on the floor.
Contact Us