Snake Catchers Response Line

[spinnerak]

hey all i would just like to know if you would be interested in being part of a network that does snake removals i would be looking for people from all over to assist with this project, all i need is to be able to contact the person either in or closest to the area where the snake is located

my number is being aired on RSG just after 11 this evening and i am planning on using it as the central number.
when the calls come through i will send out the relevant sms'es with all the details of where the capture and release is to be taken place.

anyone who is interested please pm or sms me on 0847347202 with your details like name, Username, phone number, and where you are located.

please guys lets get this going, it will save more lives of snakes at the end of the day,

[gaboon69]

Go to town! Be careful who you involve, as it can backfire easily when Natcon is not happy. Good work.

[spinnerak]

Well i spent an hour calling but no one picked up ! Maybe better luck next time.

[boing]

Are you talking just your province (where is Rayton anyway)? or National?

Sounds like a good theory, but getting NatCons approval first might be a good step.

We have a kind of informal system like that here in that the Chairman of the local herp club is the # 1 person for everyone to call and he often sends one of the other people if it is closer for them or he is busy. That doesn't mean any of us can't take calls without his knowledge, but his is the number which is most well known.

[spinnerak]

I was thinking national !

[armata]

Are catch & release permits obligitory throughout the country? and do people have to attend a handling course?

[Iggy]

I know someone is involved in getting a similar thing up and running, with Vodacom as sponsors and I believe possibly providing a 24 hour manned service. Permits obligatory and catchers course/proven experience (not sure how it is all controlled) also obligatory. Maybe try to find out whether this is already well into planning as there is a lot involved and it makes more sense to get involved maybe as an administrator or similar rather than duplicating.

[armata]

Will there be some conflict with regard some who charge a fee?
I am sure most of us in the W.Cape do it for free; the thinking being if a householder/farmer etc. has the choice of paying a fee or killing the snake they may choose the latter.
It should also be clear what area is covered, e.g. I work a 50km radius around Oudtshoorn.

[Hennie]

I'm willing to be part of such a database. Will work radius of 50 km in West Rand area for free. It's all about conservation. Keep us posted. Think if we stay within the rules, there won't be problems.

[snakemanjayd]

I'm in PMB, haven't done a handling course yet, but have been catching for ages.
I'm keen.

[armata]

I think a good start would be to have local contacts so you cann pass on calls just outside your area. For example, I know there are people dealing in George and Prince Albert but I don't have there contact numbers; and I frequently get calls for such areas, and even deal with some.

[spinnerak]

if everyone could work a radius roughly 50km around their area it would be great

[shamroth]

Somerset west and franschoek in the western cape are both covered..by coral and scales respectively.you can send them pm's, im sure they'd be interested

[MacAdder]

I attempted putting together a national snake catch & release “hotline” a couple of years back. The bureaucratic red tape was an adventure of note.
When I eventually had everything in order I then had an individual or two muddy the preverbal water by taking my ideas and trying to run it through an unorganized 'organization' for their own personal agendas.

It then all became a logistical nightmare which I did not have the time for. Spinnerak I wish you success but start provincially and work from that.

If you think I am able to assist PM me.

[duvsta]

Have been thinking about offering this service (For Free) in the Melkbosstrand area. Any advice? Is anybody else already doing it round here? Would I need any permits to only catch and release?

Thanks

Duv