African Hunter's Journal

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African Safari

A Hunter’s Journal

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About this Book Tawny and savage, our continent lies crouched in ambush between two oceans.

It is a land of wild contrasts alluring and forbidding, exciting and dangerous, ancient, vast and sprawling.

Here in our wild land the bushveld lies open and wide as far as the eye can see.

Here the leopard moves like a silent shadow in the dusk and here the spiral horns of the lone kudu bull etch the sunset.

And it is here the travelers and hunters of the ages have come.

Welcome to our Africa.

A Safari Media Africa Publication

Disclaimer Hunting is a dangerous sport. Although every human effort has been made to present survival facts as accurately and as detailed as possible, information in this publication is used at own risk and Safari Media Africa is not responsible for use or misuse of any information contained in this publication.

Copyright Copyright 2000/1/2/3/4/5 Safari Media Africa. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may he reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the copyright owner.

ISBN 0-958-4523-4-2

Credits and Thanks Dr. Kobus Hugo, snake bite treatment Mitch Mitchell: Bushcraft and hunting The Ultimate Field Guide for Larger Southern African Mammals: Mammal identification, tracks and information The Ultimate Field Guide for Common Southern African Snakes: Snake identification and information

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Table of Contents About this Book .......................................................................................... 3 Disclaimer .............................................................................................. 3 Copyright ................................................................................................ 3 Credits and Thanks ................................................................................ 3 Safari Details .............................................................................................. 8 Personal ................................................................................................. 8 Weapons ................................................................................................ 8 Doctor .................................................................................................... 9 Travel Details ......................................................................................... 9 Emergency Notification........................................................................... 9 Professional Hunter Details .................................................................. 10 Trophies ............................................................................................... 10 Day 1 ........................................................................................................ 12 Day 2........................................................................................................ 13 Day 3........................................................................................................ 14 Day 4 ....................................................................................................... 15 Day 5........................................................................................................ 16 Day 6 ....................................................................................................... 17 Day 7 ....................................................................................................... 18 Day 8 ........................................................................................................ 19 Day 9 ........................................................................................................ 20 Day 10 ...................................................................................................... 21 Day 11 ...................................................................................................... 22 Day 12 ...................................................................................................... 23 Day 13 ...................................................................................................... 24 Day 14...................................................................................................... 25 Day 15 ...................................................................................................... 26 Day 16 ...................................................................................................... 27 Day 17...................................................................................................... 28 Day 18 ...................................................................................................... 29 Day 19 ...................................................................................................... 30 Day 20 ...................................................................................................... 31 Day 21 ...................................................................................................... 32 Day 22...................................................................................................... 33 Day 23...................................................................................................... 34 Day 24 ..................................................................................................... 35 Day 25...................................................................................................... 36 Day 26 ..................................................................................................... 37 Day 27 ..................................................................................................... 38 Day 28 ...................................................................................................... 39

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Day 29 ...................................................................................................... 40 Day 30 ...................................................................................................... 41 Day 31 ...................................................................................................... 42 Useful Information .................................................................................... 43 Safari Check List .................................................................................. 43 Traveler's items ............................................................................................... 43 Clothing ........................................................................................................... 44 Personal Items ................................................................................................ 44 Hunting Equipment ......................................................................................... 45

Conversion Tables ............................................................................... 46 Length ............................................................................................................. 46 Area ................................................................................................................. 46 Volume/Capacity ............................................................................................. 46 Mass ................................................................................................................ 47

Trophy Handling in the Field ................................................................. 47 Special precautions ......................................................................................... 47 Salting ............................................................................................................. 48

Quick Reference Field Guide ............................................................... 49 Small Animals ................................................................................................. 49 Medium-seized Animals .................................................................................. 55 Large Mammals .............................................................................................. 64 Very Large Animals ......................................................................................... 70

Health................................................................................................... 72 Personal Medical Aid Kit ................................................................................. 72 Safari Medicine Kit .......................................................................................... 73 Medicines and Disposables ............................................................................ 74 Important Notes............................................................................................... 76 The ABCD of Basic Life Support..................................................................... 77

ABCD of Life Support ................................................................... 77 Airway .......................................................................................... 77 Breathing ...................................................................................... 78 Circulation .................................................................................... 78 Do not Delay................................................................................. 78 Vital Signs ....................................................................................................... 78

Pulse ............................................................................................ 78 Respiration ................................................................................... 79 Temperature and state of skin ...................................................... 79 Skin colour.................................................................................... 79 Pupil size ...................................................................................... 79 Levels of consciousness ............................................................... 79 Movement and sensation.............................................................. 80 Response to pain.......................................................................... 80 CPR ................................................................................................................. 80

When to give CPR ........................................................................ 80 How to give CPR .......................................................................... 81 When to Stop................................................................................ 82 Signs of Effective CPR ................................................................. 82 Recovery Position ........................................................................................... 82

Dangerous Animals .............................................................................. 83 Poisonous Animals ....................................................................... 83

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Snakes.................................................................................................... 83 Snake Bites ............................................................................................ 83 Cytotoxic venom ..................................................................................... 83 Neurotoxic venom .................................................................................. 84 Haemotoxic venom................................................................................. 85 Combination venom ............................................................................... 85 Allergic reaction ...................................................................................... 86 Snake Bite Management ........................................................................ 86 Prevention .............................................................................................. 86

First Aid ........................................................................................ 87 Venom in the eyes .................................................................................. 89 General first aid principles ...................................................................... 89 Medical management ............................................................................. 90

Common Poisonous Snakes ........................................................ 90 Black Mamba .......................................................................................... 90 Black Spitting Cobra ............................................................................... 91 Boomslang.............................................................................................. 91 Cape Cobra ............................................................................................ 91 Common Night Adder ............................................................................. 91 Forest Cobra .......................................................................................... 92 Gaboon Adder ........................................................................................ 92 Green Mamba ........................................................................................ 92 Mozambique Spitting Cobra ................................................................... 92 Puff Adder............................................................................................... 92 Rinkhals .................................................................................................. 93 Snouted Cobra ....................................................................................... 93 Snouted Night Adder .............................................................................. 93 Twig Snake ............................................................................................. 94 Western Barred Cobra ........................................................................... 94

Spiders ......................................................................................... 94 Sack Spiders .......................................................................................... 94 Button Spiders ........................................................................................ 94 Violin Spiders ......................................................................................... 95 Six-eyed Sand Spiders ........................................................................... 95

Treatment ..................................................................................... 95 Scorpions ..................................................................................... 96 How to prevent being stung ................................................................... 96 Scorpion Families ................................................................................... 96

Treatment ..................................................................................... 99 Other Animals............................................................................. 100 Tics ....................................................................................................... 100 Bees and Wasps .................................................................................. 101 Centipedes ........................................................................................... 102 Hairy Caterpillars .................................................................................. 102 Blister Beetles ...................................................................................... 102 Bombardier Beetles .............................................................................. 102 Dealing with Dangerous Animals up Close................................................... 103

Elephant ..................................................................................... 103 Buffalo ........................................................................................ 104 Rhino .......................................................................................... 104 Lion ............................................................................................ 105 Leopard ...................................................................................... 105

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Cheetah ...................................................................................... 106 Hyena ......................................................................................... 106 Hippo .......................................................................................... 106 Crocodiles .................................................................................. 107 Snakes ....................................................................................... 107 Emergency Numbers .................................................................................... 107

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Safari Details Personal Name Address P.O. Box Home Phone Office Phone Mobile Phone Fax eMail Blood Group Allergies Date of Birth Passport No Identity/Social Security No Drivers License No

Weapons Serial Number

Caliber

License Number

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Doctor Doctor Name Doctor Contact Details Special Instructions

Travel Details Date

Flight No

Departure

Arrival

Emergency Notification In case of emergency, contact Name Address P.O. Box Phone Home Phone Office Mobile 9

Fax eMail

Professional Hunter Details Name Address P.O. Box Phone Home Phone Office Mobile Fax eMail

Trophies Every hunter need to specify, in order of preference, the species they wish to hunt when booking the safari. Get your PH to liaise with local authorities to ensure all national permits are obtained and regulations adhered to. In the event that you wish to hunt any of the species mentioned in appendix 1 or 2 of CITES, make sure you have all the necessary documentation prior to your safari .

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 10

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

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Day 1 Date

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Day 7 Date

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Day 9 Date

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Day 10 Date

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Day 11 Date

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Day 21 Date

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Day 22 Date

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Day 23 Date

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Day 24 Date

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Day 25 Date

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Day 26 Date

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Day 27 Date

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Day 28 Date

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Day 29 Date

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Day 30 Date

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Day 31 Date

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Useful Information Safari Check List It is difficult to provide a comprehensive list of items to take on safari. Individual styles and tastes vary, so you should pack as to your individual requirements.

Note: airlines restrict you to TWO checked bags with a maximum weight limit of 70 LBS (most airlines), and most international flights are cutting carry-on bags to ONE per passenger, so pack accordingly.

Traveler's items Airline tickets

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Large duffle, wheeled is better

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Airline approved gun case

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Sturdy carry-on bag

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- include one change of clothes, cameras, personal items, & detachable rifle scope

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- bag that is convertible to a backpack for field use is best

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Passport (with two photocopies, stored in separate locations when traveling

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Visa (if required)

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Immunization documentation (where required)

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*US Customs Certificate of Registration - Form 4457 - For re-importation of guns

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**Form SAP 311 - For Import/Export of firearm if hunting in South Africa

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Loose fitting, comfortable clothing for international flight

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Sleep aid to assist in adjustment to change in time zone

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Malaria prophylactic (check area where traveling)

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Multi-plug adaptor for electrical items & Converter

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Credit card(s)

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Travelers Cheques

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Traveler's/evacuation insurance

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* Available only from a US Customs office **Downloadable at http://www.huntingreport.com/news/world-hunting-update.cfm

Clothing Three changes of hunting clothing in neutral colors ( khaki, olive, etc.)

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Warm Jacket (medium weight)

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Sweater

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Gortex-type rainsuit

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Gloves

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Hunting boots - ankle high - well broken in (2 pair if you can afford the weight)

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Socks

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Belt

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Underwear

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Hat - wide brim to protect neck and ears

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Camp shoes

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Casual clothing for before/after hunt and evening in camp

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Personal Items Sunblock - SPF30 or higher

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Lip balm

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Sunglasses with strap

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Band-aids or blister blocker



Shaving/dopp kit



Moist towelettes

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Anti-diarrhea tablets



Prophylactic antibiotic

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Aspirin/Tylenol/etc.

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Antihistamine

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Insect repellant

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Personal items

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Small flashlight w/batteries

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35mm/digital camera with plenty of film/memory

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Video camera with extra batteries and charger

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Small diary and pen

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Hunting Equipment Hunting weapon

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Soft case for transportation to/from field

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Ammo pouch

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Binoculars

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Ammunition - maximum 5 kg (about sixty rounds)

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Arrows & broadheads - 12 (minimum), more is better

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Archery field repair kit

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Dust-proof bag (for cameras, video, etc)

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Taxidermy shipping tags to be left with your trophies



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Conversion Tables Length metric -> 1 millimetre [mm] 1 centimetre [cm] 1 metre [m] 1 kilometre [km] USA 1 inch [in] 1 foot [ft] 1 yard [yd] 1 mile 1 int nautical mile

USA 0.03937 in 10 mm 0.3937 in 100 cm 1.0936 yd 1000 m 0.6214 mile metric 2.54 cm 12 in 0.3048 m 3 ft 0.9144 m 1760 yd 1.6093 km 2025.4 yd 1.853 km

Area metric -> USA 1 sq cm [cm2] 100 mm2 0.1550 in2 1 sq m [m2] 10,000 cm2 1.1960 yd2 1 hectare [ha] 10,000 m2 2.4711 acres 1 sq km [km2] 100 ha 0.3861 mile2 USA metric 1 sq inch [in2] 6.4516 cm2 1 sq foot [ft2] 144 in2 0.0929 m2 1 sq yd [yd2] 9 ft2 0.8361 m2 1 acre 4840 yd2 4046.9 m2 1 sq mile [mile2] 640 acres 2.59 km2

Volume/Capacity metric -> USA 1 cu cm [cm3] 0.0610 in3 1 cu decimetre [dm3] 1,000 cm3 0.0353 ft3 1 cu metre [m3] 1,000 dm3 1.3080 yd3 1 litre [l] 1 dm3 1.76 pt 1 hectolitre [hl] 100 l 21.997 gal USA metric 1 cu inch [in3] 16.387 cm3 1 cu foot [ft3] 1,728 in3 0.0283 m3 1 fluid ounce [fl oz] 28.413 ml

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1 pint [pt] 1 gallon [gal] USA 1 fluid ounce 1 pint (16 fl oz) 1 gallon

20 fl oz 8 pt

0.5683 l 4.5461 l metric 1.0408 UK fl oz 29.574 ml 0.8327 UK pt 0.4731 l 0.8327 UK gal 3.7854 l

Mass USA 1 milligram [mg] 1 gram [g] 1 kilogram [kg] 1 tonne [t] USA 1 ounce [oz]

imperial 0.0154 grain 1,000 mg 0.0353 oz 1,000 g 2.2046 lb 1,000 kg 0.9842 ton metric 437.5 28.35 g grain 1 pound [lb] 16 oz 0.4536 kg 1 stone 14 lb 6.3503 kg 1 hundredweight [cwt] 112 lb 50.802 kg 1 long ton (UK) 20 cwt 1.016 t

Trophy Handling in the Field Most hunters will depend on the PH to arrange for the skinning and the trophy preparation, but it is your trophy and it is wise to know what must be done. Make sure your trophies are identifiable by marking them with aluminum or lead tags, preferably attached to the trophies with galvanized wire.

Special precautions To make sure your skin will be undamaged, make sure that: 1. the animal is skinned as soon as possible - preferably within an hour or two of being shot 2. if the carcass has to be moved before skinning, make sure that it is not dragged over stones or sharp objects 3. that the skin is not damaged during loading, transport or offloading; 4. special care is taken during loading and offloading. Lifting the carcass with tarpaulins or Hessian and transporting it on these or on a thick layer of soft branches is best 47

5. the trophy is not exposed to the sun or high temperature, because this may cause increased `hair slip'. Cover the animal during transport to provide shade. Skin the animal in a cool, shady place.

6. Note: the skin of certain species such as eland, kudu, bushbuck, nyala, impala and gemsbuck are more prone to damage and should be given special attention during handling, transport and storage 7. all fat and pieces of meat must be removed from the skin as these contribute to putrefaction and skin damage. check that that the parts below the mane of the zebra and the ears are thoroughly cleaned of all flesh and fat 8. all dirt and blood be removed and the skin properly washed with clean water. the skins be drained of excess liquid by hanging them for a short while in a cool, shady place, before salting.

Salting Make sure that clean, good quality salt - preferably table salt - is used.

1. Check that the salt is rubbed well on all inner parts of the skin. Check that the sides of the skin are folded up to the middle and rolled or folded lengthwise to cover the inner, salted surfaces.

2. Salt cannot penetrate effectively into the thick hides of elephant, rhino, hippo and other thick-skinned animals. Make sure that the inner parts of such skins must be shaved more thinly.

3. Check that the skin is stretched hair downwards over a smooth, absorbent area 4. Make sure that the skin is carved thin enough for the salt to reach the hair roots, so as to prevent decomposition and hair slip.

5. If it is not possible to thin a skin, make incisions from the inside into the skin, parallel to each other and about 10 millimeters or ½inch apart. The depth of these cuts must be about half the skin's thickness to ensure adequate salt penetration.

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6. When several skins have to be salted, select a level area like a cement floor in a cool room and spread an even layer of salt on the floor. Put the first skin, hair side facing down, on the layer of salt followed by the next skin. Keep stacking the skins while making sure that the salt permeates the moist inner surface of each skin.

7. Store the salted skins for about 24 hours in a cool place before opening. Shake off loose salt and hang the skins in the shade to dry. Never keep a wet skin in a plastic bag or a sealed container as this will ruin the trophy.

8. Fold the skin before it is completely dry for dispatch. With the hairy side now facing upwards, fold the edges inwards to meet in the middle with the hair facing inwards. Fold it in the required size and unfold it again and allow to dry. Forming the skin folds before the skin is completely dry is important to prevent it from cracking.

Quick Reference Field Guide Small Animals

Lesser Bushbaby

150g Total Length 35cm Tail 23cm

Galago Senegalensis Afrikaans Nagapie Shona Chinhavira Tswana Mogwele Shangaan Mhimbi

Tree Squirrel Paraxerus cepapi Afrikaans Boomeekhoring Shona Tsindi Tswana Setlhora Shangaan Sindyane

1-2cm Contains fragments of insect exoskeletons

3cm

190g Total Length 35cm Tail 16cm 1 cm

F 2cm H 3cm

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Dwarf Mongoose

290g Total Length 28cm Tail 17cm Shoulder height 7cm

Helogale parvula Afrikaans Dwergmuishond

3 cm, Deposited in middens near dens. Contains insect exoskeletons.

2 cm

2 cm

1.5-2 cm

1.5cm

F 4cm H 5cm

400g Total Length 20cm Tail 2cm

Hedgehog Erinaceus frontalis Afrikaans Krimpvarkie Shona Shoni Zulu Nhloni Tswana Tlhong

Ground Squirrel

650g Total Length 45cm Tail 22cm

Xerus inauris Afrikaans Waaierstertgrondeekhoring Tswana Sekatamosima

Slender Mongoose Galerella sanguinea Afrikaans Rooimuishond Zulu Chakide Tswana Ramotsibodis, Kganwe Shangaan Mangovo Shona Hovo

Yellow Mongoose

650g Total Length 58cm Tail 27cm 4 cm Deposited in middens Contains insect exoskeletons

680g Total Length 50cm Tail 22cm 5 cm Deposited in middens at burrow entrances

Cynictis penicillata Afrikaans Rooimeerkat Tswana Ramoswe, Motodi

Small Grey Mongoose Galerella pulverulenta Afrikaans Kaapse grysmuishond

F 2.5 cm H 3 cm

F 4 cm H 3 cm

750g Total Length 62cm Tail 27cm

6 cm, Deposited in small middens. Contains

F 4 cm H 3 cm

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insect exoskeletons and rodent hair

800g Total Length 50cm Tail 22cm

Suricate Suricata suricatta Afrikaans Stompstertmeerkat Tswana K么t么k么/Sie

Striped Polecat Poecilogale albinucha Afrikaans Stinkmuishond Zulu Ngankakazana Tswana Nakedi Shona Ehidembo

Thick-tailed Bushbaby

Mungos mungo Afrikaans Gebande muishond Tswana Letototo Shangaan Nkala Zulu Buhala Shona Dzvoro

Small spotted Cat Felis nigripes Afrikaans Kleingekoldekat Tswana Sabalabolokwane

4 cm

3-4cm Light in color

3 cm

up to 5cm May contain fragments of insect exoskeletons

F 3cm H 5cm

1Kg Total Length 62cm Tail 26cm Shoulder height 12cm

1.2Kg Total Length 75cm Tail 40cm

Galago crassicaudatus Afrikaans Bosnagaap Shona Chimhavira Zulu Sinkwe Shangaan Xidweta

Banded Mongoose

5 cm Deposited in middens near warrens

1.3Kg Total Length 58cm Tail 22cm

5 cm, Deposited in middens near dens Contains insect exoskeletons. Ground scratched over dung

3 cm

1.5Kg Total Length 57cm Tail 16cm Shoulder height 25cm 3 cm Covered by females near dens

4 cm

51

Selous’ Mongoose

1.7Kg Total Length 73cm Tail 35cm

Paracynictis selousi Afrikaans Kleinwitstertmuishond Zulu Nsengane Tswana Kgano Shona Jerenyenje

Large spotted Genet Genetta tigrina Afrikaans Grootkolmuskeljaatkat Tswana Tshipa Shangaan Nsimba Shona Tsimba

Small spotted Genet

4 cm Contains insect exoskeletons

1.8Kg Total Length 92cm Tail 45cm

3 cm

2Kg Total Length 93cm Tail 45cm

Genetta genetta Afrikaans Kleinkolmuskeljaatkat Tswana Tshipa Shangaan Nsimba Shona Tsimba

Cape Hare

8cm Deposited at conspicuous latrine sites Contains insect fragments and small mammal remains

F 3 cm H 4 cm

5 cm Contains insect fragments and small mammal remains Deposited in middens

3 cm

2Kg Total Length 53cm Tail 10cm

Lepus capensis Lepus sexatilis Afrikaans Vlakhaas Shona Tsuro Zulu Logwaja Shangaan Mpfundla Tswana Mmutlwa

1.5cm Slightly oval and flattened Pale-colored with rough surface

F 2cm H 3cm

2.5Kg Total Length 70cm Tail 10cm

Scrub Hare Afrikaans Kolhaas Zulu Logwaja Shangaan Mpfundla Tswana Mmutlwa Shona Tsuro

1.5cm Slightly oval and flattened Pale-colored with rough surface

F 2cm H 3cm

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2.8Kg Total Length 47cm No tail

Tree Hyrax

1 cm Deposited in middens on ground or at tree bases in cylindrical clusters of 5cm

Dendohyrax arboreus Afrikaans Boomdassie Siswati lmbila ye ma hlatsi

Yellow-spot Rock Hyrax

3Kg Total Length 50cm No tail

Heterohyrax brucei Afrikaans Geelkoldassie Shona Mbira Ndebele Imbila

Large Grey Mongoose

1 cm Slightly flattened

3.3Kg Total Length 105cm Tail 52cm

Herpestes ichneumon Afrikaans Grootgrysmuishond Zulu Nhlangala Tswana Leswekete, Tshagane 3.5Kg Total length 90cm Tail 34cm Shoulder height 30cm

Cape Fox Vulpes chama Afrikaans Silvervos Tswana Lesie

Rock Dassie Procavia capensis Afrikaans Klipdassie Shona,Venda Mbila Zulu Shangaan Mbili Tswana Pela

F 5 cm H 7 cm

10 cm Contains rodent hair and small mammal remains

9cm contains insect exoskeletons

F 5 cm H 7 cm

5 cm

F 5cm H 4cm

3.6Kg Total Length 53cm No tail 1 cm Slightly flattened

F 5 cm H 7 cm

53

4Kg Total Length 72cm Tail 18cm

Greater Cane Rat Thryonomys swinderianus Afrikaans Grootrietrot Zulu Vondo Shangaan Nhleti Shona Tsenzi Tswana Bodi

2cm Flattened and grooved

F 3cm H 5cm

4Kg Total Length 80cm Tail 40cm

Spring Hare

1.5 cm Pale colored, grooved across the end, flattened and square

Pedietes capensis Afrikaans Springhaas Zulu Ndulane Tswana Tsipo Shangaan Xindjengwe

Water Mongoose Atilax paludinosus Afrikaans Kommetjiegatmuishond Zulu Mvuzi Tswana Tshagane Shona Chidzvororo

Blue Duiker

4Kg Total Length 90cm Tail 35cm Shoulder height 22cm

4Kg Tail 5cm Shoulder height 35cm Average horn length 3cm

Philantomba monticolo R.W. Min 1¾" Max 2⅞" S.C.I Min 4" Max 8¾" Measurement Method 1

2 cm Deposited in middens near water, contains shells Contains water mongoose hair

1 cm Tapered at one end, hollow at the other Deposited in middens

F 2cm H 5cm

6 cm Spreads on mud and soft soil

1.5 cm

4Kg Total length 83cm Tail 29cm Shoulder height 35cm

Bat-eared Fox Otocyon megalotis Afrikaans Bakoorvos Tswana Thlose Shona Gava

2-3 cm Contains insect exoskeletons.

Deposited in middens

5cm

54

African Wild Cat

4.3Kg Total length 93cm Tail 31cm Shoulder height 35cm

Felis lybica Afrikaans Vaalboskat Shona Nhiriri Tswana Phage Zulu Mpaka Shangaan Mphaha Venda Phaha

White-tailed Mongoose

3 cm 5 cm

4.4Kg Total Length 120cm Tail 42cm

Ichneumia albicauda Afrikaans Witstertmuishond Zulu Gqalashu Tswana Leselamothaba Shangaan Tlolota Shona Jerenyenje

3 cm Deposited in middens near burrows Contains insect exoskeletons and rodent hair

F 4 cm H 5 cm

Medium-seized Animals

Damara Dik-dik

5Kg Tail 5cm Shoulder height 38cm Average horn length 8cm

Modoquo kirkii Afrikaans Damara Dik-Dik R.W. Min 2â…œ" Max 4" S.C.I Min 7" Max 11Âź" Measurement Method 1

Suni Neotragus moschatus Afrikaans Soenie Zulu Nhlengane

1 cm Deposited in middens at path junctions

5Kg Tail 13cm Shoulder height 25cm Average horn length 8cm

.75 cm Tapered at one end, blunt at the other.

Deposited in middens

2.5 cm

2 cm

55

5.5Kg Total Length 125cm Tail 65cm

Vervet Monkey Cercopithecus aethiops Afrikaans Blou-aap Zulu Nkawu Tswana Kgabo Shona Tsoko/Shoko

Sharpe’s Grysbok Raphicerus sharpie Afrikaans Sharpe se Grysbok Shona Himba Shangaan Pitsipits R.W. Min 1⅜" Max 4⅛" S.C.I Min 5" Max 8¾" Measurement Method 1

Black-backed Jackal

3-4cm F 6cm H 8cm 7.5Kg Tail 6cm Shoulder height 50cm Average horn length 6cm

8Kg Total length 100cm Tail 33cm Shoulder height 38cm

Canis mesomelas Afrikaans Rooijakkals Zulu Mpungutshe Tswana Phokojwe Shangaan Impungutshe Shona Hungubwe

Aardwolf Proteles cristatus Afrikaans Aardwolf Zulu Nehi Tswana Thukwi,Mmabudu Shona Mwena

8.5Kg Total length 90cm Tail 24cm Shoulder height 50cm

1 cm Tapered at one end, blunt at the other.

Deposited in large middens

5 cm Usually contains hair, insect fragments and bone chips

8 cm Deposited and buried in covered middens.

Contains sand and termite heads

2.5 cm

5 cm

5 cm

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Side-striped Jackal

9Kg Total length 100cm Tail 35cm Shoulder height 40cm 5 cm

Canis adustus Afrikaans Witkwasjakkals Zulu Mpungutshe Tswana Rantalaje Shangaan Hlati Shona Gava

5 cm

10Kg Total Length 75cm Tail 37cm

Pangolin

4 cm

Manis temminckii Afrikaans Itermagog Shona Haka Shangaan Shikwaru

Grysbok

10Kg Tail 6cm Shoulder height 54cm Average horn length 8cm

Raphicerus melonotis Afrikaans Grysbok Xhosa Ngxungxu R.W. Min 3" Max 4â…ž" S.C.I Min 7" Max 12â…›" Measurement Method 1

Honey Badger

Klipspringer

2.5 cm

10Kg Total Length 95cm Tail 20cm Shoulder height 30cm

Millivora capensis Afrikaans Ratel Zulu Nsele Tswana Matswani Shangaan Shidzidzi Shona Sere, Tsere

Oreotragus oreotragus Afrikaans Klipspringer Tswana Kololo Shona

1 cm Tapered at one end, blunt at the other Deposited in large middens

F 3cm H 5cm

4-6 cm Rounded ends 7-8 cm

10Kg Tail 8cm Shoulder height 60cm Average horn length 8cm

1 cm Tapered at both ends.

Deposited in

2 cm

57

Ngururu Tswana Kololo R.W. Min 4⅛" Max 6¼" S.C.I Min 11" Max 16¼" Measurement Method 1

Steenbok Raphicerus campestris Afrikaans Steenbok Tswana Phuduhudu Zulu Qhina Shangaan Shipene Shona Mhene R.W. Min 4½" Max 7½" S.C.I Min 11" Max 18⅛" Measurement Method 1

large middens

11Kg Tail 5cm Shoulder height 50cm Average horn length 9cm

11Kg Total length 108cm Tail 32cm Shoulder height 60cm

Serval Felis serval Afrikaans Tierboskat Zulu Ndlozi Tswana Tadi Shona Nzudzi Venda Didingwe

African Civet

12Kg Total Length 135cm Tail 45cm Shoulder height 40cm

Civettictis civetta Afrikaans Siwetkat Tswana Tshipalore Shona Bvungo Shangaan Fungwe

Caracal Felis caracal Afrikaans Rooikat Zulu Ndabushe Tswana Thwane Shona Hwang Twana Venda Thwani

1 cm Shiny with narrow point at one end.

Mixed or covered with soil

8 cm Grey, contains rodent fur.

Scratch marks on ground

8cm Contains millipede exoskeletons.

Deposited in middens near pathways

F 4 cm H 5 cm

4 cm

5 cm

13Kg Total length 90cm Tail 26cm Shoulder height 43cm 3-6 cm Sometimes buried

F 5 cm H 6 cm

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Clawless Otter

14Kg Total Length 135cm Tail 50cm

Aonyx capensis Afrikaans Groototter Zulu Ntini Tswana Lenyebi Shona Mbiti

Oribi

Red Duiker

F 7 cm H 8 cm

14Kg Tail 11cm Shoulder height 60cm Average horn length 10cm

Ourebia ourebi Afrikaans Oorbietjie Zulu Wula.Iwula Tswana Phuduhudu kgamane R.W. Min 5⅞" Max 7½" S.C.I Min 13" Max 8½" Measurement Method 1

Cepholophus natalensis Afrikaans Rooiduiker Zulu Umsumpe Venda Phithi R.W. Min 2½" Max 4⅛" S.C.I Min 8" Max 12⅝" Measurement Method 1

5 cm Deposited in middens less than 10 m from water.

Contains fragments of crabs carapaces

1 cm Deposited in middens near pathways

14Kg Tail 11cm Shoulder height 43cm Average horn length 6cm

1 cm Tapered at one end and hollow at the other.

Deposited in middens

4 cm

3 cm

15Kg Total Length 90cm Tail 12cm

Porcupine Hystrix africaeausrali Afrikaans Ystervark Zulu Nungu Tswana Noko Shangaan Nungu

5cm Often attached

F 5cm H 9cm

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Common Duiker Sylvicapra grirnmia Afrikaans Duiker Tswana Phuti Zulu Mpunzi Shangaan Mhuti Shona Mhembwe Venda Nfsa R.W. Min 4½" Max 7⅛" S.C.I Min 11" Max 17⅜" Measurement Method 1

Grey Rheebuck

18Kg Tail 12cm Shoulder height 50cm Average horn length 11cm

4cm

20Kg Tail 10cm Shoulder height 75cm Average horn length 20cm 1 cm Tapered at one end and blunt at the other

Pelea capreolus Afrikaans Vaalribok Zulu Liza Tswana Lehele R.W. Min 7⅞" Max 11½" S.C.I Min 18" Max 26⅜" Measurement Method 1

Wild Dog

1 cm Short point at one end, blunt or slightly hollow at the other.

Sometimes in middens

5 cm

25Kg Total Length 125cm Tail 25cm Shoulder height 73cm

Lycaon Pictus Afrikaans Wildehond Zulu Nkontshane Tswana Letlhalerwa Shangaan Hlolwa Shona Mhumhi

7 cm, often contains hair

8 cm

30Kg Tail 20cm Shoulder height 72cm Average horn length 14cm

Mountain Reedbuck Redunca fulvorufula Afrikaans Rooiribbok Tswana Lehele Zulu Nxala R.W. Min 6⅞" Max 11½" S.C.I Min 20" Max 30¾" Measurement Method 1

1cm Clusters of 4 cm

6cm

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Baboon

32Kg Total length 140cm Tail 70cm

Papio cynocephalus ursinus Afrikaans Bobbejaan Shona Bveni,Gudo Tswana Tshwene

Springbuck

10cm

41Kg Tail 25cm Shoulder height 75cm Average horn length 35cm 1.5 cm Clusters of up to 5 cm. . Deposited in middens

Antidorccis marsupialis Afrikaans Springbok Tswana Tshephe R.W. Min 14" Max 19⅜" S.C.I Min 30" Max 50⅞" Measurement Method 1

Bushbuck Trogelophus scriptus Afrikaans Bosbok Zulu Imbabala Tswana Serolobotlhoko Shona Dsoma Shangaan Mbvala R.W. Min 14" Max 19⅝" S.C.I Min 31" Max 55⅛" Measurement Method 5

F 11cm H 15cm

F 4cm H 5cm

45Kg Tail 20cm Shoulder height 80cm Average horn length 26cm 1cm Clusters of 4cm

4cm

47Kg Total Length 145cm Tail 25cm Shoulder height 80cm

Brown Hayena Hyaena brunnea Afrikaans Strandjut Shona Bere Tswana Tlonkana, Phiritshwana

8cm Dark when fresh, white when old, deposited in middens

F 8 cm H 6 cm

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Impala Aepyceros melampus melampus Afrikaans Rooibok Zulu Mpala Tswana Phala Shangaan Mbala Shona Mhara R.W. Min 23⅝" Max 31⅞" S.C.I Min 54" Max 67¾" Measurement Method 1

Cheetah

50Kg Tail 28cm Shoulder height 90cm Average horn length 50cm

7 cm

Leopard

F 10 cm H 9 cm

55Kg Total length 160cm Tail 53cm 4cm Mainly sand, covered with ground

Orycteropus afer Afrikaans Aardvark Shona Sambani Zulu Sambane Shangaan Xombana

Panthera pardus Afrikaans Luiperd Zulu,ShangaanTsonga,Ve nda Ngwe, Ingwe Tswana,Sotho Nkwe,Inkwe R.W. Min 15⅜" Max 19" S.C.I Min 14" Max 19" Measurement Method 18

7 cm

50Kg Total length 200cm Tail 70cm Shoulder height 80cm

Acinonyx jubatus Afrikaans Jagluiperd Zulu Hlosi Shangaan Khankanha Tswana Lengau R.W. Min 12⅜" Max 14½" S.C.I Min E.D. Max 15" Measurement Method 18

Antbear

1.5 cm Tapered at one end, blunt or hollow at the other . Deposited in middens

55Kg Total length 185cm Tail 90cm Shoulder height 75cm

6-13 cm Contains hair and bone fragments Deposited in prominent places

F 8cm H 7cm

F 10 cm H 12 cm

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Reedbuck Redunca arundinum Afrikaans Rietbok Zulu Nxala Shangaan Nhlangu Shona Bimba R.W. Min 14" Max 18⅜" S.C.I Min 34" Max 53⅜" Measurement Method 1

Bontebok Domaliscus dorcas dorcas Afrikaans Bontebok R.W. Min 14" Max 16¾" S.C.I Min 36" Max 47⅝" Measurement Method 1

Blesbok

60Kg Tail 25cm Shoulder height 88cm Average horn length 30cm 1.5 cm 7cm

62Kg Tail 38cm Shoulder height 90cm Average horn length 38cm

Crocuta crocuta Afrikaans Gevlekte Hiëna Zulu Mpisi Shangaan Mhisi Shona Bere

F 6cm H 5cm

70Kg Tail 40cm Shoulder height 95cm Average horn length 51cm

Damaliscus dorcas phillipsi Afrikaans Blesbok Tswana None/Nono R.W. Min 15½" Max 20" S.C.I Min 39" Max 52⅞" Measurement Method 1

Spotted Hayena

1.5 cm Short point at one end, blunt at the other.

Deposited in middens

1.5 cm Deposited in middens

70Kg Total Length 150cm Tail 25cm Shoulder height 85cm

4-8 cm Green when fresh but turns white with age due to high bone content.

Deposited in middens

F 6cm H 5cm

F 8 cm H 6 cm

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Puku

74Kg Tail 28cm Shoulder height 80cm Average horn length 45cm 1.5 - 2cm Sometimes clustered

Kobus vardonii Afrikaans Poekoe R.W. Min 16⅞" Max 22⅛" S.C.I Min 46" Max 58" Measurement Method 1

Bushpig Potamochoerus porcus Afrikaans Bosvark Zulu Ngulube Tswana Kolobe ya naga Shona Humba, Nguruve Shangaan Khumba, Ngulube M'hlati R.W. Min 3⅞" Max 11⅞" S.C.I Min 11" Max 22¼" Measurement Method 4

Warthog Phocochoerus aethiopicus Afrikaans Vlakvark Zulu Ndlovudalana Tswana Kolobe Venda Phangwa Shona Njiri R.W. Min 13" Max 24" S.C.I Min 30" Max 49⅞" Measurement Method 4

5 cm

80Kg Tail 38cm Shoulder height 72cm Average tusk length cm

82Kg Tail 45cm Shoulder height 70cm Average tusk length cm

8 cm Deposited in middens

5 cm

5 cm Often clustered, slightly flattened

5 cm

Large Mammals

Red Lechwe Kobus leche Afrikaans Basterwaterbok Tswana Letshwee R.W. Min 26" Max 35" S.C.I Min

100Kg Tail 34cm Shoulder height 100cm Average horn length 70cm 1.5 cm 7 cm

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58" Max 73⅝" Measurement Method 1

Nyala Tragelaphus angasii Afrikaans Njala Zulu Inyala Shona Nyara R.W. Min 27" Max 32¾" S.C.I Min 63" Max 82½" Measurement Method 5

Sitatunga

108Kg Tail 43cm Shoulder height 115cm Average horn length 60cm 1.5 cm F 6cm H 5cm

115Kg Tail 22cm Shoulder height 90cm Average horn length 60cm

Trachelaphus spekei Afrikaans Waterkoedoe Tswana Nakong R.W. Min 27⅛" Max 32½" S.C.I Min 60" Max 81¾" Measurement Method 5

Black Wildebeest Connochaetes gnou Afrikaans Swartwildebees R.W. Min 22⅞" Max 29⅜" S.C.I Min 50" Max 95½" Measurement Method 11

Tsessebe Domaliscus lunatus Afrikaans Basterhartbees Tswana TshesebeShona Nondo Shangaan Nondo R.W. Min 15" Max 18½" S.C.I Min 40" Max 55½" Measurement Method 1

1.5 - 2cm Often clustered 9cm

140Kg Tail 50cm Shoulder height 120cm Average horn length 52cm

140Kg Tail 45cm Shoulder height 120cm

1.5 cm Sometimes clustered.

Deposited in middens

2 cm Tapered at one end and blunt on the other

F 8cm H 7cm

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Red Hartebeest Alcelaphus buselaphus Afrikaans Rooihartbees Zulu Nduluzele Tswana Kgama Shona Ngama R.W. Min 23" Max 29½"S.C.I Min 62" Max 80¼" Measurement Method 1

Lichtenstein’s Hartebeest

150Kg Tail 47cm Shoulder height 125cm Average horn length 52cm

Lion

1.5 cm Deposited in middens

Sable

F 8cm H 9cm

185Kg Total length 290cm Tail 100cm Shoulder height 120cm

230Kg Tail 50cm Shoulder height 135cm Average horn length 102cm Hippotragus niger Afrikaans Swartwitpens Zulu Mpalampale Tswana

9cm

180kg Shoulder Height 125cm

Sigmoceros lichtensteinii Afrikaans Lichtenstein se Hartebees R.W. Min 18½" Max 24⅜" S.C.I Min 53" Max 73" Measurement Method 1

Panthera Leo Afrikaans Leeu Shona Shumba Zulu Ngonyama Shangaan Nghala Tswana Tau R.W. Min 24" Max 28⅜" S.C.I Min 22" Max 28½" Measurement Method 18

1.5 cm Tapered one end and blunt the other.

Deposited in middens

12-15 cm Contains bone fragments and hair

F 15 cm H 13 cm

2 cm Sometimes clustered.

Scrape marks

F 14 H 11

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Kwalata Shangaan Mhalamhala Shona Mharapara R.W. Min 41⅞" Max 60¾" S.C.I Min 100" Max 124⅝" Measurement Method 1

Gemsbuck

240Kg Tail 60cm Shoulder height 120cm Average horn length 90cm

Oryx Gazella Afrikaans Gemsbok Tswana Kukama R.W. Min 40" Max 49¼" S.C.I Min 100" Max 124⅝" Measurement Method 1

1.5 cm

F 10cm H 9cm

250Kg Tail 40cm Shoulder height 130cm

Cape Mountain Zebra

5cm Cracked across middle

Equus zebra zebra Afrikaans Kaapse Bergsebra Xhosa Dauwa

Blue Wildebeest Connochaetes taurinus Afrikaans Blouwildebees Zulu Nkhonhoni Tswana Kgokong Shangaan Hongonyi Shona Ngongoni R.W. Min 28½" Max 33⅞" S.C.I Min 70" Max 99¾" Measurement Method 11

10 cm

250Kg Tail 60cm Shoulder height 150cm Average horn length 60cm

250Kg Tail 43cm Shoulder height 147cm Average horn length 120cm

Kudu Tragelaphus strepsiceros

2 cm Pointed at one end and blunt on the other.

Deposited in middens

2 cm Short point at one end and a hollow at the

F 7cm H 6 cm

F 10cm

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Afrikaans Koedoe Zulu Mgankla Tswana Tholo Shona Nhoro Shangaan Hlongo R.W. Min 53⅞" Max 69¼" S.C.I Min 121" Max 150½" Measurement Method 5

Waterbuck

Roan

Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra Equus zebra hartmanni Afrikaans Hartmanse Bergsebra

H 9cm

1.5 cm Clusters of 8 cm

8cm Hoof drag marks between tracks

260Kg Tail 35cm Shoulder height 130cm Average horn length 75cm

Kobus ellipsiprymnus Afrikaans Waterbok Zulu Phiva Tswana Pitlhwa Shona Dhumukwa R.W. Min 28" Max 39¼" S.C.I Min 70" Max 91¾" Measurement Method 1

Hippotragus equines Afrikaans Bastergemsbok Tswana Kunkuru Shona Ndunguza Shangaan Ndakadsi R.W. Min 27" Max 39" S.C.I Min 68" Max 81¾" Measurement Method 1

other

270Kg Tail 54cm Shoulder height 145cm Average horn length 75cm

2 cm Tapered at one end, hollow at the other

F 11 H 10

300Kg Tail 40cm Shoulder height 150cm 6 cm Crack across middle

10 cm

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Burchell’s Zebra

315Kg Tail 45cm Shoulder height 130cm

Equus burchelli Afrikaans Bontsebra Zulu Dube Tswana Pitse ya naga Shangaan Tsonga,Mangwe Shona Mbizi

Buffalo Syncerus caffer Afrikaans Buffel Zulu Nyathi Tswana Nari Shangaan Nyari Shona Nyati R.W. Min 45" Max 64" S.C.I Min 100" Max 139⅛" Measurement Method 10

Eland Taurotragus oryx Afrikaans Eland Zulu Mpofu Shangaan Mhofu Shona Phofu Tswana Phofu R.W. Min 35" Max 44¼"

6 cm 11 cm

550Kg Tail 70cm Shoulder height 140cm Average horn length 100cm 15 cm F 14 cm H 13cm

700Kg Tail 60cm Shoulder height 170cm Average horn length 60cm Roland Ward cm SCI cm

2cm Tapered, rounded at one end, blunt at the other. Sometimes in cylindrical clusters

F 11cm H 10cm

S.C.I Min 79" Max 115⅞" Measurement Method 5

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Very Large Animals

12 cm Deposited in middens. Contains undigested twigs

Black Rhinoceros Diceros bicornis Afrikaans Swartrenoster Zulu uBhejane Tswana Tshukudu Shona Chipenbere Venda Thema R.W. Min 24" Max 47Ÿ" S.C.I Min 56" Max 89½" Measurement Method 2 950Kg Tail 70cm Shoulder height 160cm

F 20cm H 17cm 30 cm30 cm Distinguishable from White Rhinoceros track by "W" (for white rhino) formed by back of track

2 cm Longer in bulls than in cows. Scattered, tapered at one end and blunt at the other

Giraffe Giraffa camelopordalis Afrikaans Kameelperd Zulu Ndhlulamithi Shangaan Nthutlwa 1200Kg Tail 120cm Shoulder height 300cm Total height 450cm

F 20 cm H 17 cm

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Hippopotamus Hippopotamus amphibious Afrikaans Seekoei Zulu Mvubu Shangaan Mpfubu Tswana Kubu R.W. Min 29⅞" Max 64½" S.C.I Min 50" Max 88⅝" Measurement Method 4 1500Kg Tail 40cm Shoulder height 150cm

12 cm, scattered with tail 20 cm

Deposited in middens Contains undigested grass

White Rhinoceros Ceratotherium simum Afrikaans Witrenoster Zulu uMkhombe Tswana Tshukudu Shona Chipembere R.W. Min 28" Max 62¼" S.C.I Min 70" Max 111⅜" Measurement Method 2 2150 Kg Tail 100cm Shoulder height 180cm

30 cm Distinguishable from Black Rhinoceros track by "W" (for white rhino) formed by back of track

Elephant Loxodonta Africana Afrikaans Olifant Zulu Ndhlovu Shangaan Ndlopfu R.W. Min 80lb Max 226lb" S.C.I Min 100lb Max 228lb Measurement Method 19 Record Tusk Length 11'5"

Undigested fragments of wood and bark

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6000Kg Tail 1.5cm Shoulder height 360cm

50cm Shoulder height can be calculated by: Bulls: multiplying the circumference of the front spoor by 2.5 or 5,8 times the length of the hind footprint For cows, multiply the length of the hind footprint 5,5 times

Health Personal Medical Aid Kit One should have a small personalized first aid kit to carry with you on the hunt. The contents of this kit will depend very much on the individual.

Suggested contents of a small personal first aid kit: Antihistamine pills.

1 CPR mouthpiece.

Personal medication (e.g. insulin) Injectable adrenaline (1:1000 - 1ml in syringe).

A few assorted plasters.

2 Triangular bandages.

4 Butterfly suture plasters.

Valoid pills.

Antiseptic ointment (e.g. Betadine).

2 medium wound dressings.

Oral rehydrate.

1 large wound dressing.

Lomotil.

1 crepe elastic bandage.

Water purification tablets.

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6 Swabs.

1 Haemostat.

1 Tweezer.

Pain / fever pills (e.g. Disprin, or Myprodol).

Safari Medicine Kit A well equipped safari medical bag EQUIPMENT Inflatable splint (1 for arm, 1 for leg) Foldable splint – plastic (1 for arm 1 for leg) Hard splints (assorted) 1 Traction splint (for leg) Airways (3 sizes for adult, 3 for sub adult) 4 CPR mouthpieces 1 Laryngoscope (adult) 4 Endotracheal tubes

3 Artery forceps (hemostats)

2 Surgical scissors 2 Tweezers (1 medium and 1 small) 1 Dental syringe and needles 1 Ambu bag 1 Oxygen bottle and face mask 2 Scalpels and assorted blades 1 Stethoscope 1 Torch with spare batteries 1 Portable stretcher 1 – Stingose 2 – Tubes Anthisan Buscopan (tablets and ampoulles)

USED FOR Fractures Fractures Fractures Fracture of the femur Keep airway open when unconscious For CPR and rescue breathing For inserting endotracheal tube For maintaining airway and attaching to Ambu bag Controlling bleeding, extracting objects, suturing Cutting Extracting objects Local anesthetic Respiratory support Oxygen therapy Cutting For auscultation Working in the dark and checking pupil response Transportation of injured or sick Insect bites and stings Local allergies (external use) Stomach cramps

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6 – Packets Lomotil or Immodium 2 boxes of each Disprin, Panado and Myprodol 6 ampoulles pethadine Grippons, Benylin Voltaren tablets and ampoulles Daraclor, Halfan etc Purbac Bactrim or Purbac Losec or Controloc Borax or Fucidin H KY jelly Lip Ice and Vaseline Ear drops Eye drops (Eyegene and Spesalerg)

Diarrhea Minor to moderate pain Severe pain Coughs, colds, flu Muscle injuries and pain Anti malarial Bladder infections Boils and abbesses Stomach ulcers Athletes foot Lubricant Cracked lips Ear pain / infections Eye infections / allergies

Medicines and Disposables MEDICATIONS AND DISPOSABLES 4 - 100mm wide elastic crepe bandages 6 – Triangular bandages 6 – 100mm wide bandages 6 – small size wound dressings 6 – medium size wound dressings 6 – large wound dressings 2 – eye patches 2 – rolls 100mm wide surgical plaster 2 – rolls 50mm wide surgical plaster 2 – packets assorted plasters 20 – Butterfly suture plasters 6 – Occlusive wound dressings 4 – Ring bandages Suturing material and needles Alcohol swabs

USED FOR Snakebite, fractures, sprains, dislocations Fractures and wounds Wounds, fractures, dislocations, sprains Wounds, fractures, dislocations, sprains Wounds, fractures, dislocations, sprains Wounds, fractures, dislocations, sprains Eye injuries Assorted injuries and strapping Assorted injuries and strapping Minor injuries Suturing wounds Penetrating wounds of thorax and abdomen For securing imbedded objects Suturing of minor wounds For disinfecting injection sites

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Gauze swabs (assorted – enough of) Sanitary towels (1 packet) 4 – IV drip sets 3 liters Ringers lactate 3 liters Physiological saline (NaCl) 1 liter Dextrose 4 ampoules insulin injectable 1 Suction apparatus 6 - 20ml disposable syringes

8 – 10ml disposable syringes 8 – 5ml disposable syringes 8 – 2,5ml disposable syringes 6 – 1ml disposable tuberculin syringes 1 Glucose test kit 1 Malaria test kit (20 tests) – if in malaria area 1 box Disposable surgical gloves Assorted hypodermic needles Lignocaine local anesthetic Activated charcoal (packet) 1 litre Betadine antiseptic (liquid) 1 litre Hibitane antiseptic (liquid) 1 – Bottle merchurochrome 20 – 100ml sterile distilled water 2- Betadine wound ointment 6 Ampoulles anti tetanus injection Broad spectrum anitbiotic tablets 2 – 100ml Injectable broad spectrum antibiotic Terramycin wound dusting powder

For cleaning wounds and padding For ladies who forget and for wounds For IV infusions Fluid replacement Fluid replacement Hypoglycemia (diabetic emergency) Hyperglycemia (diabetic emergency) Suctioning secretions Inflating cuff on endotracheal tube and for irrigating wounds, cuts, abrasions Administering injections Administering injections Administering injections Administering injections Testing blood glucose Testing for malaria Protection Protection and removing splinters Local anesthetic (eg when suturing) To adsorb poisons Cleaning and disinfecting (also for instruments) Cleaning and disinfecting (also for instruments) Minor cuts and abrasions Irrigating and injecting Cuts and wounds (prevent or treat infection) Anti tetanus Systemic infections Systemic infections Wounds

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8 – 100mg Solucortef injectable

6 – ampoulles 50mg Anthisan injectable 2 Packets anthihistamine tablets 3 – 1ml adrenaline ampoulles 1:1000 dilution 1 Bottle Angised tablets Oral rehydrate and Energade (enough of) Valium injectable Burnshield dressings (assorted sizes) and Flamazine cream Valoid ampoulles and tablets 2 - packets Rennies 1 – Stingose 2 – Tubes Anthisan Buscopan (tablets and ampoulles) 6 – Packets Lomotil or Immodium 2 boxes of each Disprin, Panado and Myprodol 6 ampoulles pethadine Grippons, Benylin Voltaren tablets and ampoulles Daraclor, Halfan etc Purbac Bactrim or Purbac Losec or Controloc Borax or Fucidin H KY jelly Lip Ice and Vaseline Ear drops Eye drops (Eyegene and Spesalerg)

Anaphylactic shock (allergies), snake bite, spider bite, scorpion stings Allergies For allergies Anaphylactic shock Angina (heart cramps) Dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke Sedative Burns Nausea and vomiting Heartburn Insect bites and stings Local allergies (external use) Stomach cramps Diarrhea Minor to moderate pain Severe pain Coughs, colds, flu Muscle injuries and pain Anti malarial Bladder infections Boils and abscesses Stomach ulcers Athletes foot Lubricant Cracked lips Ear pain / infections Eye infections / allergies

Important Notes 

No person must use medicines and/or equipment unless qualified to do so.



Expedition members should be properly trained.

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

If you wish to render medical assistance to a sick or injured person get their permission first (preferably in front of witnesses).



Stay within your level of competency.



Check the contents and especially expiry dates of equipment and medications before each trip and replace as necessary.



Acquaint yourself with the various drugs - what they are used for, side effects, how they are administered etc. Keep their leaflets on hand for easy reference.



Keep drugs in a cool place. Some medications must be kept in a refrigerator.



Before any drug is administered check for allergies - ask the patient, or relatives or look for a medic alert tag.

The ABCD of Basic Life Support ABCD of Life Support In an unconscious patient, open the airway by pushing the lower jawbone forward or use the jaw-thrust maneuver by applying pressure behind both angles of the jaw.

While keeping hands on both sides of the head, place the fingers behind both angles of the jaw and lift the jaw to keep the airway open.

Airway 

 

Check if the victim has a partial or complete airway obstruction. If he can cough or speak, allow him to clear the obstruction naturally. Stand by, reassure the victim, and be ready to clear his airway and perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation should he become unconscious. If his airway is completely obstructed, administer abdominal thrusts until the obstruction is cleared.

Using a finger, quickly sweep the victim’s mouth clear of any foreign objects, broken teeth, dentures and sand.

Grasp the angles of the victim’s lower jaw and lift with both hands, one on each side, moving the jaw forward. For stability, rest your elbows on the surface on which the victim is lying. If his lips are closed, gently open the lower lip with your thumb

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Breathing With the victim’s airway open, pinch his nose closed with your thumb and forefinger and blow two complete breaths into his lungs.

Allow the lungs to deflate after the second inflation and perform the following: 

Look for his chest to rise and fall.



Listen for escaping air during exhalation.



Feel for flow of air on your cheek

If the forced breaths do not stimulate spontaneous breathing, maintain the victim’s breathing by performing mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Check the victim’s mouth periodically for vomit and clear as needed.

Circulation Chest compressions Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) may be necessary after cleaning the airway, but only after major bleeding is under control Do not Delay Start immediately

Vital Signs Vital signs show what is happening in the body and will give an indication of malfunction or normality. It is important that you know how to monitor them.

Pulse 

Rate - fast or slow.



Strength - strong, bounding, weak.



Rhythm - regular or irregular.



Normal: Adult 60-80 beats per minute (bpm), child 80-100, infant 100 - 140.

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Respiration Noisy, elevated, depressed, labored, noisy, absent. Normal: Adult 12 breathes per minute, child and infant 20.

Temperature and state of skin 

In shock - cold and clammy.



Fever / heatstroke - hot and dry.

Sites for taking temperature: under tongue, under the arm, rectum.

Skin colour 

Red - vasodilation, heatstroke, neurogenic and anaphlactic (allergic) shock



Cherry red - carbon monoxide poisoning.



Pale - shock, blood loss, heart failure, anxiety, fear.



Bluish - low blood oxygen levels, airway obstruction, poor circulation (perfusion), respiratory difficulty or arrest.



Yellowish - liver malfunction.

Pupil size 

Constricted - disease of CNS, drugs (e.g. morphine)



Dilated - dead, injury to CNS, cardiac arrest, drugs (e.g. atropine)



Unequal size - brain damage (injury / stroke)

Levels of consciousness 1. Normal - responds normally to questions and conversation 2. only answers direct questions 3. responds vaguely to questions 4. obeys commands 5. responds to pain 6. no response 7. Unconscious

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Movement and sensation Paralysis and loss of sensation - injury or disease. Paralysis on one side - stroke or brain injury. Paralysis of arms and or legs - spinal chord trauma. If severed paralysis is permanent.

Response to pain No reaction to pain - under the influence of alcohol or drugs or deep coma. Spinal chord damage - paralysis and loss of sensation.

CPR CPR is an acronym for Cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Correct and adequate resuscitation will result in lives being saved.

When to give CPR here is no condition that requires more immediate action than cardiac arrest. When this happens respiration will also cease.

Cardiac arrest can be caused by: 

Drowning



Electrocution



Drug overdose



Airway obstruction



Poisoning by gas



Accidents and injuries



Heart attacks

The best chance of successful resuscitation is when basic life support is started within 4 minutes of cardiac arrest.

A person’s heart can however continue beating when breathing has stopped. In this case only rescue breathing and not CPR is necessary. 

Give only when indicated



Patient must be on a hard surface.



Place hands in correct position. Keep arms straight.



Maintain correct rate, ratio, and depth of compression.

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How to give CPR

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Compression to ventilation ratio One First Aider Two First Aiders 15:2 5:1 Compressions per minute Adults Children Infants 100 100 100 Depth of Compression Adults Children Infants 4-5 cm 2.5-3.5 cm 1.5-2.5 cm

When to Stop Give CPR until: 

The person recovers.



You become exhausted.



Trained help arrives.

Signs of Effective CPR 

The color of the patient will improve.



A carotid pulse can be detected when compressions are applied.



The heart starts beating (stop compressions when the heart resumes normal function).



The person begins breathing spontaneously.



Level of consciousness improves.

Recovery Position Unconscious patients should be turned onto their side in the recovery position.

Remember to protect the neck and spine while moving an injured patient into this position.

Keep the patient in the recovery position even during transport - it will ensure that gravity keeps the airway open and vomit can run out of the mouth without entering the windpipe.

Pressing an releasing the plastic bottle will cause air to escape through the pipe and will suck obstructing fluid back into the bottle.

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Dangerous Animals Poisonous Animals Snakes The incidence of snakebites in Southern Africa is around 30-80 per 100,000 population per year in areas where snakes abound. Only a very small percentage of these bites are fatal. Snakebite is not a notifiable disease in South Africa and therefore reliable statistics are currently available on the deaths per year due to snakebites.

However, it is estimated that it must be in the vicinity of 50 deaths per year.

If the mortality figure of snakebites is compared to those of motor vehicle accidents (10 000 per year) it is clear that snakes pose an insignificant health risk in Southern Africa.

Snake venom is designed to immobilize or kill prey, commence digestion and protect the snake against harmful ingested organisms.

Venom can be injected by biting or spat at the eyes of a perceived threat.

Snake Bites Snake venom can be divided into 4 groups according to its clinical effect on the victim.

Cytotoxic – Direct toxic effects on the cells that cause cell lyses (destruction).

Neurotoxic – The venom blocks the transfer of the nervous impulse from the nerve tissue to the muscle.

Haemotoxic - The venom interferes with the clotting mechanism in the blood with the attendant complications of uncontrolled bleeding.

Combination – A syndrome develops with a mixed picture between cytotoxic and neurotoxic symptoms.

Allergic reaction - The exposure to any of the venoms above can cause an allergic reaction in a patient.

Cytotoxic venom

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The presenting symptom of these bites is a painful swelling commencing at the bite site that is warm, often tender and spreads mainly up the limb or tissue. This may lead to swollen lymph glands within 2 hours after the bite. Local complications include blistering, necrosis (dead tissue), localized bleeding, and infection.

The swelling may be so severe that it can cause compartment syndrome. This is a syndrome where the venom causes severe swelling of the underlying muscles. The muscles are surrounded by an inelastic sheath and when the muscle swells it compresses the arteries and nerves that run through the muscles within the sheath.

The oxygen rich blood that flows through the arteries cannot reach the tissue under the occluded arteries and the tissue will then die due to the oxygen shortage.

If this condition is not corrected as a matter of urgency within a period of 4 hours (usually surgery is needed to release the intra compartmental pressure by splitting the inelastic sheath) it may lead to tissue loss or even amputation in severe cases. Compartment syndrome must be seriously suspected when the pain in the tissue below the swelling increases in severity and develops a “pins and needles“ feeling or numbness. An absent pulse below the swelling is usually a late sign and requires urgent surgical intervention.

Another frequent regional complication from cytotoxic venom is the development of a deep vein thrombosis (blood clot) in the affected limb. Systemic effects of the venom include hypo tension (low blood pressure), fluid on the lungs and difficulty breathing (edema and ARDS), and a low platelet count, which can lead to bleeding (DIC).

Systemic venom action producing edema and heart conduction defects has only been documented in Gaboon adder bites, which are uncommon in South Africa as this snake is only found around St Lucia.

The groups of snakes that has cytotoxic venom include the Gaboon adder, Puff adder, Mozambique spitting cobra, Stiletto snake, Night adder and other smaller adders.

Neurotoxic venom 84

The neurotoxic venom interferes with the impulse transfer from nerve endings to skeletal muscles leading to paralysis. The signs and symptoms of neurotoxic envenomation can deteriorate rapidly from a feeling of numbness around the mouth (perioral anesthesia) to sweating, drop in blood pressure, difficulty in swallowing (saliva running from the mouth) to complete respiratory arrest where the patient stops breathing, and eventually without medical intervention, to death.

Within a few minutes from a mamba bite there is perioral anesthesia that progress to relentless widespread muscle weakness leading to respiratory failure in 60-70% of cases.

Non-spitting cobras (Cape, Snouted and Forest) leads to early swelling around the bite site, a window period where the patient is apparently normal followed by fairly rapid onset of inadequate respiration due to paralysis (about 50% of cases).

The group of snakes with neurotoxic venom include Black and Green Mambas and the non Spitting Cobras: Cape, Snouted, Forest.

Haemotoxic venom The venom interferes with the clotting cascade and by lowering the platelets in the blood. The Boomslang and Vine snakes are the two snakes most commonly responsible for bites to snake handlers.

Their venoms are exclusively haemotoxic and acts on the clotting cascade preventing blood clotting which can cause internal and external bleeding. Fortunately both snakes are back-fanged snakes and their bites are limited to hands and feet.

Boomslang induced clotting dysfunction is of slow onset, with potential death only occurring after several days. This allows time to get the Boom slang specific antivenom from the manufactures (phone: +27 11-882-9940).

There is currently no antivenom available for the Vine snake.

Although Gaboon and Puff adders has got cytotoxic venom, it can also cause bleeding by reducing the platelets.

Combination venom A syndrome of a mixed picture of cytotoxic and neurotoxic signs and symptoms are found in some snake bites. Among these symptoms are cranial nerves dysfunction (Cranial nerves mainly supplies the organs of the face, throat and neck, heart and intestines), which 85

uncommonly leads to other skeletal muscle weakness and respiratory failure. Venom from a Berg adder bite can cause loss of taste and smell.

The group of snakes with combination venom effects includes: Rinkhals, Berg adder, Garter snake, Shield-nosed snake Allergic reaction Exposure to venom either by skin contact or envenomation through a snakebite can cause an acute allergic reaction to patients that were previously exposed to the venom. The reaction can be compared similarly to an allergic reaction from a bee sting, ranging from a mild reaction to death within minutes after the bite. These reactions are usually limited to snake handlers or persons that was previously bitten by a snake.

In the above group of patients that deteriorates rapidly after a bite an allergic reaction must be seriously considered. There is a huge difference in treatment between envenomation by a snakebite and an allergic reaction against the venom. Symptomatic snake bites are usually treated by antivenom where as an allergic reaction is treated with adrenaline.

Snake Bite Management An analysis of 4 rural snakebite series involving 911 patients by Dr Roger Blaylock, one of the foremost authorities in South Africa on the management of snakebites, showed the following. 

16% had no envenomation



77% developed progressive painful swelling



6% progressive weakness



<1% bleeding

Prevention Common sense is the gold standard in preventing snakebites: Wear boots that covers the ankle and loose hanging long pants. Most of the snakebites are on the feet, ankle and lower leg.

1. Don’t step over an obstacle if you cannot see what is on the other side.

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2. Don’t put your hand into a hole when you can’t see what is inside.

3. Don’t handle snakes if you are not a professional snake handler.

4. Don’t confront a dangerous snake.

5. If you encounter a snake back of as fast as possible while keeping your eye on the snake. However, if you are so close that you are within striking distance and the snake is already engaged to strike, remain motionless until the snake withdraws. Snakes only strike at movement 6. Prevent nocturnal bites by using a light, wearing footwear and sleeping in a snake proof dwelling (zip up tents).

7. Be careful of handling “dead“ snakes as some elapids, notably the Rinkhals, may feign death and become miraculously and painfully alive when picked up.

First Aid Getting the patient to medical help is the major priority.

General principles to consider: 1. Remain calm and react in a logical way. Remember: very few people die from snake bite 2. Keep the patient calm and reassured.

3. Immobilize the patient as far as possible and don’t waste time in delaying his transport to the nearest medical facility.

4. Do not give the patient anything to drink or eat - especially not alcohol.

5. Incision, suction, cryotherapy (freezing of bite site), electrotherapy, topical or ingested medication is of no value.

6. Do not waste time by searching for and trying to kill the snake 7. Pressure immobilization bandaging is not recommended as it may aggravate or precipitate tissue necrosis (death/destruction) or compartment syndrome as the majority of snakebites presents with progressive swelling.

8. An arterial tourniquet is of value in known non spitting cobra and mamba bites and should be reserved for cases with 87

positive identification of one of the above group of snakes.

Tourniquet application can cause severe underlying tissue damage if applied wrongly .It is best to leave it to people with the necessary training on tourniquet application. The tourniquet must be released every 30 min and not be kept on for longer than 2 hours.

9. Patients who cannot swallow their saliva must be placed in the recovery position and closely observed for respiratory failure. The saliva can accumulate in the patient’s throat and prevents air entry in the lungs. If left unattended the patient can “drown” in his own saliva. Try to remove as much as possible of the saliva in the victim’s airways by either sucking or finger sweep. With finger sweep, wrap a gauze swab or a piece of absorbable clothing around your index and middle finger, and sweep your finger through the patients mouth and throat to remove as much as possible of the saliva manually 10. When the patient becomes unresponsive or starts having difficulties breathing, immediately start with CPR. 11. Do not inject antivenom, the doctor should do that.

12. Antivenom is very effective and should not be withheld to a patient with signs and symptoms that necessitate the administration of antivenom.

13. However, the antivenom can cause a potentially severe allergic reaction.

14. The incidence of potentially severe acute allergic reactions depends on the clinical indication for its administration ranging from 8% when given to patients with progressive weakness to 20% for patients with painful progressive swelling. Patients with bleeding from Boom slang bites can have an allergic reaction to the antivenom in up to 70% of cases.

15. Antivenom must preferably be given under medical supervision with adrenaline at the bedside.

16. All snakebite victims should be hospitalized for at least 24 hours.

17. Symptoms and signs of severe local or systemic poisoning occur sooner in children than in adults due to a higher venom concentration.

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18. The indications for antivenom administrations occur sooner and more frequently in children than in adults.

19. The same amount of antivenom is given to children and adults.

20. The venom from baby snakes is just as lethal as that of the adult snakes.

21. The severity of the signs and symptoms and rate of deterioration of a victim, depends on the amount of venom injected during the bite and bite site.

22. The closer the bites site to the heart the faster the signs and symptoms will appear.

23. If the venom is injected directly into a vessel, rapid deterioration in the victimâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s condition may be expected Venom in the eyes The Rinkhals and Mozambique spitting cobra are responsible for nearly all the cases of eye envenomation in Southern Africa. The Black spitting cobra and the Western barred spiting cobra can also be responsible for spitting in their victims eyes, although reported cases are uncommon.

The Rinkhals and Mozambique spitting cobra can spit accurately over a distance of up to 2 meters.

The Rinkhals needs to hood its neck to be able to spit whereas the Mozambique spitting cobra can spit from any position.

The eye is very vascular and venom in the eye can be rapidly absorbed. This can cause severe inflammation and painful spasm of the eyelid. If left untreated it may progress to inflammation of the cornea and ulcer formation, which may cause blindness. If correctly treated the effects are usually benign with full recovery expected within a week.

General first aid principles 1. Wipe the venom from the face 2. Wash the eyes with copious amounts of fluid for at least ten minutes 3. If water is not available any type of fluid can be used which is not harmful to the eyes like cold drinks, milk, beer etc 89

4. Place an eye pad over the eyes if available and transport the victim to the nearest medical facility 5. It is advisable to let an ophthalmologist examine the eyes 6. Antivenom, either topical or systemic, is not indicated Medical management The majority of patients cannot correctly identify the snake even with the help of pictures.

Because of this Dr Blaylock divided the snakebite victims into the following 3 groups according to the clinical picture at presentation: 1. Painful Progressive Swelling 2. Progressive Weakness 3. Bleeding The syndromic management of these patients with antivenom simplifies the treatment of snakebites drastically.

Antivenom is given in each of these groups according to set criteria based on signs and symptoms.

Patients also receive supportive treatment according to the organ systems affected e.g. ventilation support for patients with respiratory failure and platelets and blood clotting components for patients with active bleeding Medical Information courtesy Dr. Kobus Hogo Common Poisonous Snakes Black Mamba A graceful, alert and unpredictable deadly poisonous snake and is active during the day, hunting for food. Hunting is done from a permanent lair to which it will return regularly. If it senses danger it will quickly slither away into dense undergrowth.

The Black Mamba is named not for itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s skin colour, but because the inside of the mouth is black. The head is coffin-shaped. This snake mainly lives in termite mounds, mammal burrows and rock outcrops. It normally attempts to escape when approached, but if cornered will bite readily and often.

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Black Spitting Cobra A rare snake; for many years it was thought to be a black variety of Cape Cobra. When threatened it spreads a hood and spits venom in the same way as Mozambique Spitting Cobra but ejects much more venom at a time.

Boomslang A quick, alert snake, able to glide through trees, bushes and overland. If molested, it inflates its neck and body to a considerable size, often twice the normal girth and may strike sideways in rapid, jerky action. Vision is excellent. The male boomslang is green and the female a dull grey colour. Juveniles have emerald-coloured eyes.

Cape Cobra An active, quick moving species. Although always ready to retreat if approached, it will often not hesitate to rear up and expand a hood if flight seems impossible. Will bite readily if unduly molested. It climbs and swims with agility. It cannot spit its venom.

Common Night Adder This snake is docile and will move off if given choice. When molested it will react violently, hissing noisily, flattening the neck and striking repeatedly. They are usually found in stone piles, termite nests or mammal burrows. If provoked it will inflate its body with air, coil its body and hiss, striking at same time. It has long venom glands extending backwards into neck region. The V on the back of the neck is characteristic, mimicked by the harmless Egg Eater

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Forest Cobra A large snake, very active and alert, climbs well and at home on land and water. When disturbed will quickly disappear into dense thickets; when cornered will spread a narrow hood and bite readily. This snake does not spit is venom.

Gaboon Adder This adder is placid by nature but when provoked it raises the forepart of the body slightly from the ground, hisses and strikes in any direction with surprising speed. Remains in one spot for days.

When disturbed, will emit a series of long drawnout hisses while forepart of body lifts off the ground horizontally; even then reluctant to strike.

Green Mamba A tree-living snake, seldom seen on ground except to bask or chase prey. The head is coffinshaped. A very nervous snake but not-aggressive and reluctant to bite. Will strike if provoked. Bites are uncommon.

Mozambique Spitting Cobra A shy snake that seldom stands its ground. When cornered may spread a narrow hood but will not hold this pose for long. It may not always spread a hood before spitting and may only open its mouth slightly before doing so. In contrast to the Rinkhals which always spreads itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hood before spitting, this snake can spit from any position. The characteristic salmon-colored throat identifies this species.

Puff Adder A slow-moving, bad-tempered and excitable snake that may hiss or puff when disturbed. When annoyed, it strikes vigorously in all directions, but fortunately often gives warning of its intentions by hissing noisily. It relies on its perfect camouflage to escape detection and will rather freeze than move off.

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Rinkhals A shy snake but will rear up, expand a hood and eject a spray of venom towards its attackers if unable to escape. Disappears quickly when disturbed but when cornered it will lift as much as half its body off the ground with hood spread with the two or three white bars on throat clearly visible. When frightened it will play dead, ready to strike when touched. It always spits its venom from a reared position.

Snouted Cobra Not an aggressive snake but when cornered will assume a intimidating posture. It does not spit itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s venom. Often occupies a permanent home in a termite mound where it will reside for years if not disturbed.

Snouted Night Adder Although docile, it will react violently when molested, hissing noisily, flattening the neck and striking repeatedly. Snout obtuse, prominent and upturned at the end. The V on the back of the neck is characteristic, mimicked by the harmless Egg Eater

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Twig Snake This snake has keyhole-shaped pupils and good vision, being able to sight prey from a distance. It seldom bites, unless provoked. It moves gracefully and swiftly when disturbed. Though timid, it will inflate its neck to display the bright skin between scales when threatened, followed by lunging strikes while bright tongue flickers in a wavy motion. The Zulus believe that this snake strikes and wounds like a spear because of the speed of the strike.

Western Barred Cobra A shy snake, always trying to escape; if cornered will spread a hood and spit its venom. Snake often found on tarred roads.

Spiders

Sack Spiders Cytotoxic venom A fast moving, free ranging hunter. found in foliage.

Body length 13mm, leg span 35mm

Eight eyes .Straw coloured body with glossy black fangs.

Button Spiders Veurotoxic venom Lives in cobwebs amongst grass and rocks . Eight eyes, black with red dorsal stripe or stripes or simply red dot above spinnerets.

Body length 14mm, leg 94

No markings on back. Velvet texture. Egg case smooth and 10 mm across.

span 35mm

Violin Spiders Cytotoxic venom Free ranging hunter, found beneath rocks, in caves or dark corners of houses.

Body length 9mm, leg span 50mm

Six eyes. Small and delicate with long legs, brownish or dark brown with black markings. Violin-shaped marking on carapace Six-eyed Sand Spiders Cytotoxic venom.

Lives buried in sand beneath stones, in caves, animal burrows etc.

Six very small eyes. A flattened large and robust spider, body covered with sand particles from habitat lodged amongst body setae freshly moulted colour is yellowish or reddish brown.

Body length 15mm, leg span 50mm

Treatment The site of spider bite should be washed with anti-septic solution and covered with mercurochrome or antiseptic ointment. Antiserum is required for treatment of button spider bites.

If respiratory paralysis develops, artificial ventilation must be given; the bites of sac spider, violin spider and crab spider should be treated with antiseptic cream; antibiotic should be given if infection is suspected.

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Scorpions How to prevent being stung 1. Wear protective footwear - especially at night.

2. Be careful when lifting rocks and logs 3. Watch out when collecting firewood 4. Do not handle scorpions with bare hands 5. When camping try not to sleep directly on the ground 6. Shake out footwear, clothing and bedding to evict nasties 7. Learn how to distinguish a highly venomous scorpion from a harmless ones

Some scorpions can squirt venom into the eyes of attackers from a bout 1m

Scorpion Families 1. Scorpionidae A relatively harmless species with large pincers and slender tail. It is mildly toxic and produces stinging pain in a mild local reaction which may persist for 15-20 minutes. No antivenom or treatment is required.

2. Buthidae Potentially lethal envenomations are possible by species of the buthid genera. They have thick tails and slender pinchers. Venom is injected by stinging or squirting venom at the eyes of the perceived threat.

Scorpions are common throughout southern Africa. Parabuthus sp. is found throughout the region except on the highveld and eastern seaboard. The venom is a potentially lethal neurotoxin which causes an extremely painful local reaction within one. Use ice packs and tight crepe bandage to immobolise whole limb. Treat with specific antivenom. Do not use morphine and derivatives. Buthotus is restricted to sandy hot and arid areas in the north of the region.

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Scorpionidae

Scorpionidae Up to 100mm, Varies from olive to yellow, brown or almost black.

Large pincers and slender tail

Mildly toxic venom. Produces stinging pain in a mild local reaction which may persist for 15-20 minutes.

No antivenom or treatment is necessary

Buthidae

Uroplectes 20 -50mm Bright green, orange or orange-green with black markings. No stridulatory patches or abdominal keels. Fast moving.

Very painful local reaction which may spread. Effects of venom lasts at least 3 hours. Use ice packs. No antivenom required. Do not use morphine and derivatives

Butotus 30 -70mm Medium-sized yellow scorpions with pincers, thick tails, characteristic black keels on carapace just behind head and three black keels down length of abdomen Use ice packs and tight crepe bandage to immobilize whole limb.

Treat with specific antivenom.

Never use morphine and derivatives for pain.

Parabuthus 60 -150mm Large yellow, brown or black scorpions with slender pincers, thick tail and stridulatory areas on the first and second tail segments

Use ice packs and tight crepe bandage to immobilize whole limb. Treat with specific antivenom.

Never use morphine and derivatives for pain.

Many victims of scorpion stings see the scorpion that has stung them and its crushed remains often accompany them to hospital after the victimâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vengeance has been had. Unless there are obvious systemic signs, antivenom therapy is contraindicated. An ice-pack should be applied to relieve the pain and retard the onset of systemic signs. Immobilization of the limb involved with tight 97

crepe bandages and splints to impede the spread of venom via the lymphatic system is advised.

Under no circumstances should morphine or any of its derivatives be administered to reduce pain as these compounds act synergistically with the venom and greatly increase the chances of death. The specific antivenom should be used to treat patients with systemic signs.

Symptoms The severity of envenomation depends on various factors such as the health and age of the victim, the sting site and species, size and degree of agitation of the scorpion. Persons with heart or respiratory problems will be at greater risk.

Some or all of the following sings and symptoms may result.

1. Immediate and intense, burning pain at the sting site that lasts about 30 minutes. Mild inflammation may be present, with the sting mark not always visible 2. Signs and symptoms only develop after 30 minutes and sometimes only after 4 to 12 hours, increasing in severity over the following 24 hours. The pain can be local as well as far removed from sting site with abdominal cramps 3. Abnormal sensitivity, including a burning sensation and pins and needles usually in the hands, feet, face and scalp 4. Excessive sensitivity of the skin to clothing and bedding with the patient even increased sensitivity to noise 5. Lack of muscle coordination with a stiff legged or drunken walking action.

6. Involuntary movements, tremors and muscle weakness.

7. Increased pulse rate of 100 to 150 bpm for Parabuthus granulatus and below 55 bpm for Parabuthus transvaalicus 8. Raised blood pressure in Parabuthus granulatus. Normal in children but raised in some adults in Parabuthus transvaalicus cases.

9. Difficulty in swallowing especially with Parabuthus transvaalicus. Excessive salivation 10. Difficulty speaking 98

11. Excessive perspiration in Parabuthus transvaalicus cases 12. Headaches, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea 13. Droopy eyelids 14. Restlessness and anxiety is a prominent feature seen in children with Parabuthus granulatus. Hyperactivity and infants crying for unexplained reason. Restlessness, particularly in children, should be a warning of potentially life-threatening complications 15. Urine retention 16. Respiratory distress is a major complication and can result in death Treatment Patients with systemic signs and symptoms should be kept under observation for 48 hours before discharge. All other scorpion stings result in painful local signs which can be relieved by means of an icepack applied as soon as possible after envenomation.

The severity of scorpion stings are affected by the amount of venom injected which varies from one sting to the next, the size of the specimen, the species involved and the body mass of the patient.

Envenomations are characterized by an intense burning pain at the site of the sting after which systemic signs and symptoms develop which may be as follows: barely perceptible oedema and erythema at the sting bite, sweating, drooling, restlessness, confusion, nausea or vomiting, abdominal or chest pains, muscular twitching, numbness, convulsions and respiratory embarrassment.

Doâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s: 1. First aid treatment is the application of a cold compress, if the hyperaesthesia will allow and an analgesic (Asprin, Paracetamol) to relieve pain and transport to a hospital 2. Monitor cardiac and respiratory functions and treat as required 3. Patient with systemic symptoms, especially children and the elderly must be hospitalized for 24 to 48 hours 4. Immobilize and clean wound

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5. Antivenom must only be administered in the case of severe systemic envenomation 6. Antihistamine and steroids only to be administered in cases of allergic reaction to antivenom. In the event of hypersensitivity to the ingestion or injection of a substance, which must always be anticipated, administer adrenaline 7. Atropine may be administered in cases of confirmed Parabuthus transvaalicus envenomation to control excessive secretions 8. Intravenous administration of 10 ml of 10% calcium gluconate IV over 10 to 20 minutes may provide relief from pain and cramp, but is only effective for 20 to 30 minutes.

9. Administer a tetanus toxoid to prevent infection 10. Envenomation of the eyes must be flushed with water or any bland fluid (milk, urine). In severe cases antivenom can be diluted 1 to 5 or 1 to 10 with water Do not: 1. Do not use traditional remedies such as incisions, suction, tourniquet or the application of ointments.

2. Do not use alcohol as it will only mask any symptoms.

3. Do not administer antivenom if no signs or symptoms of severe envenomation presents itself.

4. Do not administer spider or snake antivenom.

5. Do not administer atropine to reduce salivation in the case of Parabuthus granulatus stings as it may lead to unopposed adrenergic reaction.

6. Do not administer barbiturates, opiates, morphine or morphine derivatives as this could greatly increase convulsions and cause respiratory distress.

Antivenom is produced by the South African Institute for Medical Research (SAIMR) in Johannesburg [011] 489 9000.

Other Animals Tics

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The rare tick toxicosis is caused by four fairly widespread tick species. The toxicosis is caused by toxins in the saliva of the tick. In humans, it is often evident as a localized paralysis characterized by ataxia and sudden muscle weakness, the severity of which is related to the number of Hyalota attached ticks and the duration of the attachment.

The ticks should therefore be removed as soon as possible. No specific antivenom is available in Southern Africa.

Calcium gluconate injections may be useful. Individuals subjected to frequent tick bites may develop hypersensitivity Bees and Wasps Bees and wasps cause more deaths each year than all the other venomous animals together. Most stings by bees, wasps and ants merely cause a very intense local pain which persists for about 15 minutes. However, some individuals develop hypersensitivity reactions following repeated envenomation.

With each subsequent envenomation, the hypersensitivity reactions intensify until a stage is reached when anaphylactic shock type reactions may result.

Patients hypersensitive to bee stings should be advised not to wear bright floral patterned clothing out of doors and not to apply nail varnish out of doors as the solvent is the alarm pheromone of bees.

Perfume and beverages containing sugar should also be avoided out of doors.

If stung by a bee, immediately remove the stinger and venom sac by scraping with a fingernail or a knife blade. Do not squeeze or grasp the stinger or venom sac, as squeezing will force more venom into the wound.

Wash the sting site thoroughly with soap and water to lessen the chance of a secondary infection.

If you know or suspect that you are allergic to insect stings, always carry an insect sting kit with you.

Relieve the itching and discomfort caused by insect bites by applyingâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; 1. Cold compresses.

2. A cooling paste of mud and ashes.

3. Crushed cloves of garlic.

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4. Onion.

Centipedes Poisonous centipedes may be recognized by a flattened body of 2123 segments, one pair of legs per segment, the last pair of which are elongated. Centipedes have a distinct head with a pair of long antennae. A pair of fang-like projections on the head bear the venom glands.

Bites give rise to a very painful local effect which may be accompanied by oedema, erythema and mild necrosis. Pain may be relieved by local injection of lignocaine or by the application of icepacks. No specific antivenom is available as centipedes are not considered dangerous.

Hairy Caterpillars Some caterpillars have venom-containing hairs covering their bodies.

Contact causes a painful reaction. The hairs of some caterpillars break up after penetrating the skin where their venom is dispersed. This makes removal extremely difficult. These hairs induce an inflammatory reaction which eventually enables the natural removal of the hairs.

Blister Beetles Blister beetles do not bite or sting but injury results when skin contact is made with their blood. They can discharge some of their blood, a process termed reflex bleeding. Some blister beetles have to be crushed in order to release their blood which cause painful blisters.

The beetles are very small and they often fly into the eyes and cause painful conjunctivitis. The eyes should be irrigated with normal saline or water. The blisters do not need treatment except to prevent secondary infections after they have burst.

Bombardier Beetles These fast ground-dwelling beetles shoot scalding liquid into the eyes of attackers from a distance of about 1 meter. Envenomation of the eyes must be flushed with water or any bland fluid such as milk or urine.

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Dealing with Dangerous Animals up Close Elephant Elephant can reach a height of 4m (13ft) and can accelerate to 38km/h (25mph) in seconds, a speed which can be maintained for great distances. Elephants normally avoid confrontations with humans but may attack, especially when: 

there are small calves in the herd



when the animal has been wounded or hunted



when harassed



or venturing too close

Old bulls make mock charges, and charge vehicles with spread ears and loud trumpeting. A mock charge normally ends only meters from the object of irritation. When such an animal is further provoked, a real charge and attack may result.

A real charge is often led by the matriarch with ears flat against the body and the trunks called up to the back.

Avoid herds of elephant in the veld and never disturb these peace-loving animals. A charging herd of elephant makes for an extremely dangerous situation and they are almost impossible to stop - even with rifle fire.

Be alert to the sound of breaking branches, trumpeting, the sound a large bodies rubbing against branches or trees, a sound slightly like the far-off rumble of thunder, fresh elephant tracks and the rank smell of elephant.

When elephants are at a safe distance and they are blocking the road or refuse to leave the camp area, a rifle shot or a continuous banging against a vehicle’s door or an axe against a tree trunk will cause the animals to leave the area.

In an emergency situation when an elephant is charging, do not run upwind but turn sharply left or right. Because of its poor eyesight, the elephant may continue the charge and run past you.

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The best advice is to avoid elephants altogether. Never fire a shot at an elephant - it creates great risk not only for you, but for others as well.

Buffalo When a large herd of buffalo for disturbed they normally run away a short distance but return with nose in the air to inspect the impostor.

Generally they then run away amid thundering noise followed by swarms of Buffalo flies.

Lone bulls that have been hunted or wounded and animals that are unnecessarily disturbed can be very dangerous.

A buffalo may charge without provocation and can seldom be stopped with a single rifle shot, even by an experienced hunter.

Avoid buffalo as far as possible. On warm days buffalo hide in reeds or thickets close to river beds where old bulls spend most of their time in shallow water.

The warning cry of the oxpecker and the breaking of branches may be the first and only signs of a charging buffalo. It is also a fact that a wounded Buffalo will turn back on his own tracks and wait for the hunter.

Rhino Of the two kinds of southern African rhino the black rhino is the most dangerous. A black rhino that suddenly becomes aware of humans in its area may become confused and attack any moving thing.

Look out for tracks and middens (a large heap of dung ) marking boundaries.

With perfect timing and a good sidestep, (or rather a sideways dive) a rhino charge may be avoided. A bunch of thorns in your backside may be preferable to an irate rhinoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s horn in that specific location.

The white rhino is less aggressive but should also be considered dangerous.

The story that rhino are self-appointed 104

fire wardens and kills fires at night may not be entirely untrue but seems to be an extremely rare occurrence.

Lion Lions normally run away from humans. However when they are suddenly surprised or when getting too close being followed or harassed, or when mating or eating lions are approached on foot, a dangerous situation may result.

Old, thin, or sick animals are often more aggressive and Lions pose a greater threat at night. Lions in the veld must be avoided by taking note of fresh tracks, vultures, sounds of growling and the sounds of hyenas in the area.

Thickets close to watering areas must be especially watched. Study the behaviour of animals like zebra and wildebeest at a watering-holes. If they are hesitant to go and drink and stare at a specific thicket there may be a predator in hiding. Giraffe are especially good indicators of predators when they stare at thickets for extended periods. At night the startled warning cry of a plover or a dikkop may indicate an approaching lion.

When a lion charges, trying to run away his signing your own death warrant - then it knows that you know you are food. Standing still and trying to stare it down is better but it requires lot of courage and sometimes a change of shorts - and may not work. Wounding a charging lion is especially dangerous.

When you meet the king of the bush tried to remain as calm as possible. The golden rule is not to attack or flee first. Let circumstances - with your sights on the lion and a prayer - guide your actions. Often such a problem situation will resolve itself when the lion, after a mock charge or two, decides to disappear in the bush.

Leopard With the exception of the legendary man-eating leopards, there are very few recorded a cases of leopards attacking humans. In exceptional cases old and sick Leopards may find humans easy prey, while 105

harassed, wounded or trapped animals maybe he extremely dangerous.

Leopards normally avoid humans and only their tracks - often very close to the camp fire - indicate that they are present.

Cheetah Of the larger predators the cheetah is the least dangerous.

Hyena The brown hyena, also sometimes known as a â&#x20AC;&#x153;wolfâ&#x20AC;? in Africa, is very shy and will normally not harm anyone. The spotted hyena also avoids direct human contact.

Hungry hyenas will sniff around the camp at night and a few cases are for recorded where people who slept outside were bitten or maimed by hyenas. Hyenas may sometimes damage the tires of vehicles or damage vehicles or equipment.

A suitable barrier like branches of thorn trees are usually sufficient to keep hyenas at bay.

Hippo Hippos cause the largest number of human fatalities in Africa. In most of the cases the animals were disturbed or harassed.

Although the animal may appear very docile when floating in a waterhole, it is nevertheless a dangerous animal and may attack unexpectedly. They often hide in thickets next to water holes and fatalities occur when a human is between a hippo and the water.

Hippo can move very fast in water and on dry ground and can easily overtake a running man.

Serious accidents can occur when traveling at night next to rivers and surprised hippo try to escape to the water and collide with vehicles.

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Hippos should be considered as potentially dangerous and a safe distance should be maintained.

Crocodiles Anyone walking through water or swimming in a waterhole where crocodiles are present is exposing himself to the risk of being caught by a crocodile.

Crocodiles or are extremely fast and powerful and seem to not differentiate between prey species.

Even a powerful Buffalo is not strong enough to avoid being pulled into the water.

Crocodiles have valves that close the throat and nostrils when submerged. When caught by a crocodile use knife or sharp object to a gouge the eyes or try to cut and perforate the valves that close the nostrils or the throat. The best defense is to stay away from deep water Snakes If you encounter a snake, back of as fast as possible while keeping your eye on the snake. However, if you are so close that you are within striking distance and the snake is already engaged to strike, remain motionless until the snake withdraws. Snakes only strike at movement

Emergency Numbers South African Institute for Medical Research [011] 489 9000 South African Vaccine Producers [011] 882 9940 / [011] 882 9993 Poison Information Centers

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Cape Town [021] 6895227

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Bloemfontein [051] 405 303

Hospitals 107

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Johannesburg: [011] 403 7080

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Pretoria [012] 664 1100

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Nelspruit [013] 759 0500

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