Authors
Abstract
Morocco with its 112 amphibians and reptiles is one of the richest countries in the Mediterranean Basin. Venomous snakes are represented by two families: Elapidae (1 species) and Viperidae (7 species). Envenomation by snakebite represents a health problem in Morocco. As a first step to address this phenomenon, we updated distribution maps for each species : Daboia mauritanica was found to be the most abundant and widely distributed venomous snake while Echis leucogaster was the rarest and more restricted one. Secondly, we developed a preliminary epidemiological survey in the Community of Tangier-Tetouan (Northern Morocco). In the region, the rate of snakebite victims is 8.6/100,000 inhabitants during 2004 to 2008, the species causing more envenomation was D. mauritanica, the age of victims ranged between 12 and 60 year old, and both sexes were equally affected. Snakebite occurred mostly between April and September, roughly coinciding with the activity season of D. mauritanica.
Journal: ScienceLib Editions Mersenne