Human–Snake Conflict, Risk Perception and Community-Based Conservation Awareness in Urban and Peri-Urban Nairobi, Kenya

Background of the Study
Nairobi and its surrounding peri-urban areas are experiencing continuous urban expansion. As human settlements grow closer to natural habitats, encounters between people and snakes are becoming more frequent.
These interactions often occur in residential estates, informal settlements, agricultural fringes, construction sites, and areas near vegetation or drainage systems.
In many cases, these encounters lead to fear, misunderstanding, and the unnecessary killing of snakes, regardless of whether the species are venomous or non-venomous.

Focus of the Research
The study mainly examines three key areas:
1. Human-Snake Conflict
It investigates common situations where humans and snakes interact, how these encounters happen, and how communities typically respond when they occur.
2. Risk Perception
It explores how people perceive the danger posed by snakes, including the influence of cultural beliefs, personal experiences, misinformation, and lack of awareness about snake behavior.
3. Conservation Awareness
It assesses whether communities understand the ecological importance of snakes, especially their role in controlling pests and maintaining ecological balance.

Urban and Peri-Urban Context
The research focuses on both urban and peri-urban Nairobi because these areas represent zones where human development overlaps with natural ecosystems. This overlap increases the likelihood of wildlife encounters, including snakes, and highlights the need for better awareness and management strategies.

Community Perspective
The study also considers how communities respond to snake encounters, including:
• Whether people feel prepared to handle such situations
• How snakes are treated when found in human spaces
• Levels of access to information or safe removal support
• General attitudes toward coexistence with wildlife

Purpose of the Study
The main purpose is to identify practical, community-based solutions that can:
• Reduce human-snake conflict
• Improve safety during encounters
• Increase awareness and understanding of snakes
• Promote coexistence between humans and wildlife

Overall Goal
This research aims to shift public perception from fear and misinformation toward informed understanding and conservation awareness, supporting safer and more sustainable human-wildlife interactions in Nairobi and beyond.

Help Us With This Research
Your participation is very important in helping us understand real community experiences and perceptions about snakes.
If you are in Nairobi or surrounding areas, or have experienced snake encounters anywhere, your input is especially valuable.
We kindly invite you to fill out this questionnaire:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSewSxCetMXeYh-XdyCpdJkEEeO5OnwU29qO2UwvK9cNWF1YIQ/viewform?usp=publish-editor
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