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NATURE
General information
Natural
Emirates
Key animals
Captive breeding
of rare breeds
Watching whales and
dolphins in the UAE
Scorpions and snakes
The coasts
Desert
The Mountains
Ornithological importance
of UAE
Environmental agencies
Fossil hunting
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Scorpions
Almost everybody knows what a scorpion looks
like even if they have never actually seen one. Many people fear scorpions
but in common with other venomous animals they normally avoid humans and
will only sting when threatened. Most stings occur when people inadvertently
come into contact with scorpions, particularly during camping trips, when
they are found hiding under rocks, stones, tents, clothing, debris and
rubbish.
Scorpions feed on insects and spiders and sometimes small vertebrates.
Scorpions that have very large pincers do not always use their sting to
kill prey, but may simply rely on the crushing power of their claws. An
interesting phenomenon concerning scorpions is the fact that they fluoresce
when exposed to ultra violet (UV) light. No-one knows why this happens;
it is just a natural property of the cuticle. However, it provides an
easy way of detecting scorpions and is used by biologists to estimate
their numbers without having to capture them. It is also an effective
way of avoiding scorpions when camping, although in some desert locations
it is alarming to see just how many the UV light reveals! In any case,
if you are exploring, it is prudent to shake bedding, shoes and other
clothing before putting them on.
Scorpion venom is a mixture of some of the most potent and biologically
active compounds in the animal kingdom and scorpions should be treated
with caution. Although a scorpion sting is frequently localized, some victims
of stings may feel a sharp pain followed by numbness, drowsiness and an
itching of the throat. This can be accompanied by excessive saliva and
the tongue becomes sluggish with the jaw muscles contracted. If large
amounts of venom have entered the blood system, difficulties in co-ordination
arise and body temperature increases while the production of saliva and
urine are reduced. Touch and sight can be affected, with sensitivity to
strong light. There may also be haemorrhages and convulsions with increasing
severity. Most victims are normally out of danger within three hours but
they should receive medical supervision for at least eight hours.
Primary first aid for scorpion stings is to reassure the victim who will
be suffering from shock. Clean the wound and then try to isolate it by
immobilizing the site of the sting. Use a firm supporting bandage but
not a tourniquet, and hold the limb up to avoid the venom going directly
to the heart. If possible keep the site of the sting cold by placing it
in iced water. Although fatalities are very rare, do seek medical help,
particularly in the case of small children and invalids who are most at
risk. In some cases, an anti-venom can be administered and these work
well if given early enough. However, in other cases a painkiller is all
that can be given but recovery should be rapid.
For further details on scorpions CLICK
HERE
Snakes
A variety of snake species are found in the UAE, most are not poisonous
and it is highly likely that you will not see a single snake during your
visit. However, if you are out in the country watch out for the horned
viper (Cerastes cerastes gasperetii) which
is similar in appearance to the false horned viper, the false horned
viper (Pseudocerastes persicus) and is often
also referred to as the sand viper. Confusion arises because only some
have horns. The horned viper reaches a length of about 85cm, and has
the typical stocky viper body, a very broad head with hinged teeth. Horned
vipers also move in a side-winding manner in soft sand, which is their
favoured habitat. Adapted to the open desert it is creamy-beige in colour,
with darker blotches on its back. In the Emirates it is found in all the
sandy deserts from the coast up to the mountain plains where there is
virtually no shade available.
The horned viper is almost entirely nocturnal, spending the day under
anything that provides a little shelter from the sun. If no shade is available,
it buries itself in the sand by moving its ribs forward, and at the same
time upward, causing the sand to be pushed to the side and allowing the
otherwise motionless animal to sink below the surface in a manner reminiscent
of a submerging submarine. Within a very short time nothing is visible
but the eyes, which are set very high on top of the viper’s head.
As with scorpion stings, reassure the victim, wrap the bitten limb in
a secure bandage and seek medical help. If at all possible bring the dead
snake with you for identification purposes, but do not risk being bitten
again just to catch the snake!
For more information on snakes CLICK HERE
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