Dangerous Animals in Cape Verde

Cape Verde's national fauna is very peaceful. There are no large predators or snakes in the territory and poisonous animals are rare.

Spiders

There are spiders in Cape Verde, but they are not so commonly seen in the cities.

After the rains, especially in inland areas, it is common to see clusters of spiders hanging from trees.

Although spider bites are not commonly reported, you should avoid touching them, especially if you don't know the species.

Centipedes or lacraids

There are centipedes in Cape Verde, but they are not common. These crawling terrestrial arthropods are occasionally seen, particularly in dark, damp places or with some vegetation.

The sting can be painful and cause swelling and redness of the skin. Applying an ice pack can help relieve the symptoms. These usually last no longer than 48 hours.

Sea urchins

Sea urchins are spiny globular animals common on rocks and stones on some beaches. It is not recommended to walk barefoot underwater or on rocks and stones where there are urchins. Contact with the urchin's spines can cause a painful puncture wound.

If you step on a sea urchin, you should try to remove the spines immediately. Applying compresses with vinegar can help remove them. If the thorns have gone deep, you may need to go to your local health service to have them removed. Unremoved thorns can cause inflammation and prolonged pain.

Caravela-portuguesa or garrafa-azula-

Portuguese caravels are floating organisms that drift through the ocean pushed by the winds. Also called the blue bottle, due to the bluish color they sometimes acquire, these creatures may have an attractive appearance, but they are very dangerous!

Although they are rare in Cape Verde, there are reports of them having washed ashore on some beaches previously. Occasionally they have been seen dead washed ashore by the current.

Despite their beauty and harmless appearance, you should keep your distance from them, even dead ones. Portuguese caravels have tentacles that release a toxin that causes intense pain, local burning and severe allergic reactions with the potential for cardiac arrhythmias.

In the event of contact with Portuguese caravels, the following precautions should be taken the following precautions:

• Wash the affected area thoroughly with seawater without rubbing.
• Remove the tentacles from the skin with a plastic instrument.
• If possible, apply vinegar or a warm compress to the area. Never use alcohol or ammonia!
• Seek medical attention immediately.

 Sharks

Cape Verde is an immensely important region for several species of sharks and rays in the northeast Atlantic, serving as home to more than 60 species sharks and rays.

Despite this, shark attacks are very rare in Cape Verde, with only a case reported in the media in the last ten years.

TipOn the island of Sal, at Sharkbay, you can watch and swim with lemon sharkswhich are harmless species. An experience that!

Frequently asked questions:

1. Are there snakes in Cape Verde?

There are no snakes on any of the Cape Verde islands! Snakes have rarely been found in the country, possibly brought in by container ships.