From Puff Adders to Rinkhals: Reserve staff master snake safety
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Pullen Nature Reserve staff attend snake handling course
Written by Tumelo Nhlapo
On the 27th of February 2026, staff members from the Pullen Nature Reserve participated in a specialised snake handling course hosted at Inyathi Park in Pretoria. The training was conducted by the African Snakebite Institute, a leading authority on snake awareness and safety in Southern Africa.
The course provided comprehensive knowledge on the importance of snake awareness, identification, biology, and behaviour. Participants explored common myths and superstitions surrounding snakes, while also gaining practical skills in first aid for snakebite incidents. In addition, the training covered awareness and first aid for scorpions, spiders, and other venomous invertebrates found in Southern Africa.
As part of the practical training, staff worked with several highly venomous snake species, including the puff adder, snouted cobra, Cape cobra, and rinkhals. Under expert supervision, they practised safe handling and release techniques, reinforcing both confidence and caution in dealing with these dangerous reptiles.
A key highlight of the programme was the emphasis on legal responsibilities associated with snake handling, ensuring that all practices align with conservation and safety regulations. This training equips the Pullen Nature Reserve team with essential skills to protect both wildlife and visitors, reinforcing the Reserve’s commitment to conservation, education, and safety.
The Pullen Nature Reserve staff would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the School of APES, for granting the staff the opportunity to attend such an important and impactful course. The support from the school made this valuable training possible.
Strengthening Academic Collaboration
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Academics visit the Reserve
University of Mpumalanga visits Pullen Nature Reserve
Written by Tumelo Nhlapo
On the 23rd of February 2026, the University of Mpumalanga’s Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Sciences leadership, led by Dean Prof. Ndiko Ludidi and Head of the School of Biology and Environmental Sciences Prof. Mduduzi Ndlovu, visited the Pullen Nature Reserve.
The purpose of the visit was to reaffirm and rekindle the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in 2023 between the University of Mpumalanga and the University of the Witwatersrand’s Pullen Nature Reserve.
Prof Ndlovu and Prof Ludidi of the University of Mpumalanga.
The renewed engagement underscores the commitment of both institutions to foster collaboration in teaching, research, and academic development. During the visit, discussions focused on strengthening areas of cooperation, which include:
- Undergraduate Practical Teaching: Utilising the reserve’s facilities to provide students with hands-on field experience.
- Postgraduate Teaching and Research: Expanding opportunities for advanced studies and collaborative research projects.
- Staff Research Initiatives: Supporting faculty-led investigations into biodiversity, ecology, and environmental sciences.
- Writing Retreats for Staff: Offering a conducive environment for academic staff to focus on scholarly writing and publications.
- Joint Teaching of Undergraduate and Honours Field Courses: Promoting shared expertise and interdisciplinary learning across institutions.
The visit marks a significant step toward ensuring the MOU continues to deliver meaningful outcomes for both universities and contributes to the broader goals of environmental conservation, scientific inquiry, and academic excellence.