Hello! I’m Hiral, a herpetologist and conservation biologist specialising in snake ecology, conservation and education.
I currently work as the Research and Conservation Manager for Save The Snakes where I lead and support a range of snake research, education, and conservation initiatives in South Africa and internationally. I completed my PhD in the Alexander Herp Lab at the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa. My research focused on the behavioural ecology of venomous snakes and how this contributes towards snakebite incidences. I also co-host an awesome podcast on herpetology: SquaMates!
𓆘 Herpetology | Research | Conservation | Education 𓆘
Research
My research focuses on the ecology and evolution of snakes across a range of African ecosystems. I am particularly interested in evolutionary biology, behavioural ecology, and the ecological roles snakes play within complex natural systems. More broadly, my interests extend to other herpetofauna—including reptiles and amphibians—and how these species adapt to changing environments and interact with human communities. My work integrates ecological research with conservation and education efforts aimed at improving understanding of herpetofauna and promoting coexistence between people and wildlife.
Feeding ecology in snakes
Snakes represent one of the most diverse and evolutionarily successful groups of vertebrates. Their adaptive success is driven by a variety of evolutionary innovations, including the diversification of venom systems, dentition, and skull morphology, as well as variation in body form, habitat use, and foraging strategies.
These traits have evolved alongside the remarkable diversity of prey consumed by snakes. My research aims to better understand these relationships and explore how ecological and evolutionary pressures shape feeding strategies and trophic interactions across snake lineages.
Spatial ecology of human–snake interactions
This research focuses on mapping and analysing the spatial patterns of interactions between people and venomous snakes in South Africa and other regions of the world.
By examining environmental variables, landscape features, and human activity, this work aims to understand where and why encounters between people and snakes occur. Identifying these patterns is essential for improving strategies to reduce snakebite risk and support coexistence between humans and snakes.
Behavioural ecology of medically important venomous snakes
Africa hosts an exceptional diversity of venomous snakes, yet the behaviour of many species remains poorly understood.
As snakebite gains increasing recognition as a major global public health issue, understanding the behavioural ecology of medically important snakes is critical.
By studying African species and comparing their behaviour with venomous snakes in other regions of the world, this research aims to generate broader insights into the ecological and behavioural factors that influence snake–human interactions and snakebite risk.
Assessing snakebite
Snakebite is recognised as a neglected tropical disease, and reducing snakebite mortality and disability globally requires more accurate and comprehensive data.
My work explores approaches to assessing snakebite patterns and improving data collection, using South Africa as a case study to better understand the ecological and social drivers of snakebite.
Conservation
My conservation work focuses on using scientific research to inform education, strengthen conservation networks, and improve global knowledge of snake conservation.
A major component of this work involves mitigating human–snake conflict through collaborative partnerships, particularly through the Save The Snakes Conservation Partners network. To expand these efforts in Africa, we launched the Snake Education and Community Awareness Program (SECAP) in South Africa in partnership with the Hoedspruit Reptile Centre. This initiative promotes collaboration between conservationists, educators, healthcare workers, and local communities to reduce human–snake conflict and snakebite risk.
Research
We conduct research on all the snakes currently found in the area and particularly snakes that are commonly featured in snakebite. This knowledge is directly informs our education and conservation efforts.
Education
We work with learners, community members, and healthcare professionals to increase knowledge about snakes, snake safety, and snakebite prevention. These efforts aim to reduce fear and misinformation while mitigating human–snake conflict.
Outreach
Working in partnership with local stakeholders, we collaborate with community groups in rural areas to increase awareness about snakes, reduce fear, and promote safer coexistence with wildlife.
Let’s save snakes together.
Features
I am incredibly honoured to be one of 50 women herpetologists featured in a book highlighting the work of women in herpetology around the world. The project celebrates the contributions of women in the field and aims to inspire future generations of scientists. Books can be purchased on the website.
SquaMates Podcast
I was very fortunate to be on the SquaMates podcast where I shared my journey into herpetology. You can listen to the episode here.
BBC World Service Radio
The BBC World Service invited me to be on a special episode to talk about venomous snakes with Dr Emily Taylor. Check out the episode here.
Common Descent Podcast
I was very fortunate to be on the Common Descent Podcast to chat about snakes and snake conservation for Snake Month 2022. Listen here.
The Women in Ecology & Evolution Podcast
In March 2021 I did a recording with some incredible women on the ecology and evolution podcast. Listen here.
I am the Chair of the Snakebite Engagement Community Network which aims to share the important community based snakebite efforts from members around the world. Our goal is to share the challenges around snakebite and create awareness to prevent incidences.
Dr. Hiral Naik 