01904nas a2200217   4500000000100000008004100001260001200042653002300054653003100077100001300108700001800121700001500139700001500154700001200169245008700181856006900268300000900337490000700346520131900353022001401672       2022                            d  bMDPI AG10aGeneral Veterinary10aAnimal Science and Zoology1 aUyeda LT1 aArdiantiono A1 aIskandar E1 aWirsing AJ1 aKyes RC00aSnakebite Envenomation, Attitudes, and Behavior toward Snakes in Banten, Indonesia  uhttps://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/12/16/2051/pdf?version=1660273856  a20510 v123 a<p>Snakes are commonly associated with feelings of anxiety or disgust, and snake conservation is often hindered by negative attitudes and perceptions. Although global snake populations are generally in decline, snakebite envenomation (SBE) continues to be recognized as a serious public health issue, particularly in rural areas of tropical and subtropical countries. Data on SBE, a neglected tropical disease, are lacking, and Indonesia, a hotspot of venomous snake diversity, has no snake bite reporting system. We analyzed 127 survey results in Banten, Indonesia with the aim of documenting SBE and exploring the relationships between respondents’ experiences, attitudes, and behaviors toward snakes. Nine percent of respondents had experienced SBE, and knowledge of SBE incidents was associated with negative attitudes toward snake populations, with negative attitudes toward snakes associated with a higher likelihood of anti-conservation behavior. Women were more fearful than men, and women and those with lower education levels were more negative toward pythons (Malayopython reticulatus), suggesting that increased knowledge may aid in snake conservation efforts. Universally negative risk beliefs and attitudes toward venomous snakes indicate a need to reduce the threat of SBE in our study area.</p>
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