Local Ecological Knowledge and Cultural Perceptions of Snakes in Sudan

Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK) is central to biodiversity conservation and public health, particularly in regions where human-snake interactions are frequent. In Sudan, snakes hold complex cultural meanings: valued as rodent predators, feared for venom, and linked to spiritual beliefs. To document LEK and attitudes toward snakes, we conducted a validated Arabic language online survey (n = 192) across 16 states (Feb-Apr 2025). Results indicated that encounters with snakes were most common during the rainy season (n = 129, 53%), especially in agricultural areas (n = 72, 38%), with the genus Naja (33%) and Echis (25%) most frequently reported. Identification of snakes by community members relied on coloration, and 32% of respondents could not distinguish venomous from nonvenomous species. Conservation attitudes regarding snakes were polarized, with similar proportions strongly supportive of (31%) and 29% opposed to snake conservation; yet 95% endorsed integrating LEK with science to promote coexistence. Despite this, 65% of respondents reported killing snakes regardless of venom status. Beliefs commonly described snakes as jinn (i.e., demons) (47%) or avengers (25%). Reported treatments included incision and suction (31%), use of diverse treatments (29%), fang extraction was reported by 14% of respondents, and in nearly all of these cases the "fangs" was extracted using plant poultices, except for one report where frogs were used instead. 5% reported use of a venom stone, no knowledge of treatments (19%) and rare access to antivenom. In conclusion, perceptions of snakes are shaped by a complex interplay of ecological observations, cultural beliefs, and practical health responses. Conservation and public health strategies should integrate LEK with scientific knowledge, strengthen evidence-based snakebite management, and tailor conservation and health interventions to regional contexts.