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Knowledge and Attitude on highly Venomous snakes by Questionnaire survey among the Students of Rajarata University, Mihintale, Sri Lanka

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Author Affiliations

  • 1Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, SRILANKA
  • 2 Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Mihintale, SRILANKA

Int. Res. J. Biological Sci., Volume 3, Issue (12), Pages 67-72, December,10 (2014)

Abstract

We interviewed 840 students from the Rajarata University, Mihintale, Sri Lanka, to reveal their knowledge and attitude about the Sri Lankan highly venomous snakes using a pre tested structured questionnaire. We found that many students feared on snakes. According to findings, the most commonly missed identified species was Sri Lankan Krait.Around 77% students said that snakes should be conserved, while three students said no due to fear of them. Because of their family members died due to snakes bite (Russles Viper Bite).Among the students 97% stated that they felt afraid of snakes. Approximately more than 80% of interviewees said that their fear depended on whether the snakes were venomous or not, and alsosaid fear depended on the way they move and size of the snake.The survey finding indicated that most of the students have an idea of the first aid for snakes bite except several questions such as apply a tourniquet, give some aspirin, give large amount of water and food and remove skin from where snake bite. However they have keen knowledge on preventing the snake bite. Students had positive idea on participating to an education programe on snakes (74%), that will help to conserve this remarkable fauna in Mihintale area and also that will help to conserve Sri Lankan snakes.

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