I'm on a mission to reduce the burden of spider bites and scorpion stings across Southern Africa at all levels of society

Jonathan is Southern Africa’s leading authority on spider bite and scorpion sting first response. He is a best selling author, international speaker and award-winning conservationist. He consults for poison information helplines, medical organisations and academic institutions, and speaks and is a panel member at medical conferences and is a member of the National Snakebite Advisory Group. His work has inspired a generation, and has shaped our understanding of scorpions and scorpion stings across Southern Africa.

Essential Scorpion Sting First Response Course

Sunday 15th June 2025 9am to 12pm - Kloofendal Nature Reserve

The essential scorpion sting first response course offers a new and innovative science-based first response framework that addresses the burden of scorpion stings in Southern Africa across all levels of society. This course covers the fundamentals of scorpion sting first response and includes a presentation, workshop, assessment and certificate.

Course Details & Online Bookings

Stodels Garden Club Roadshow

4th June Menlo Park
14th June Bryanston
17th June Ferndale

Jonathan Leeming will be presenting a series of presentations at Stodels stores in Gauteng. The focus on creating a garden that is in tune with nature, begins with a mindset that asks a fundamental question: How can we do better? A garden that not only supports wildlife, but also honours the relationship between ourselves and the natural world, regardless of how big of small your garden may be.

Event Details & RSVP Guidelines

Jonathan Leeming's new book is now available!

Essential Scorpion Sting First Response

This book offers a new and innovative first response framework that is based upon the latest science, is easy to understand and put into practice. It will reduce the burden of scorpion stings across Southern Africa by answering two very important questions: 1) How can you reduce the chance of being stung by a scorpion. 2) If a sting does occur, how can you ensure the best possible outcome for stings in humans and animals.

Essential Snake Bite First Response

24 Hour Emergency Hotlines In Southern Africa For Bites And Stings

Event Organisor Resources

Charity & Non-Profit Events

Organise Your Own Event

Eswatini Snakebite Symposium 2025

I'll to contributing to the 2025 Eswatini Snakebite Symposium. I'll be focusing upon reducing the burden of spider bites and scorpion stings in Eswatini and beyond , through a lecture on medically important spiders, scorpions and centipedes, contributing as a panel member and hosting a breakout session.

Essential Snake Bite First Response

Jonathan will be presenting a poster at the 2025 Oppenheimer Research Conference.

FREE Essential Scorpion Sting First Response Short Course

Adapted from my Essential Scorpion Sting First Response Book, this short course offers an overview of the key points of scorpion sting first response. Aligned to scorpions of Southern Africa, this short course consists of 10 short modules following by an online assessment. If you pass the assessment you will receive a certificate. This short course is ideal for learner, students, field guides, conservation workers, lodge staff and medical professionals.

GIve It A Go!

Arrange Your Own Event

If you have your own group or want to arrange an event for your organisation, then send Jonathan an email on Info@JonathanLeeming.com and include your ideas, date and venue.

The Amazing Adventures of Webster & Sammy

The Amazing Adventures of Webster & Sammy are a collection of childrens stories featuring Webster the spider and Sam the scorpion. Together they help others and overcome challenges in unique spider and scorpion ways. Free for download, these stories. Written by Jonathan Leeming.

Essential First Response

Practical and interactive activities

This Essential First Response provides a structured framework that will greatly reduce the risk of being bitten or stung, and provide the best possible outcome, should a spider bite or scorpion sting occur in both humans and animals (pets).

Essential First Response

Essential Scorpion Sting First Response Presentation

Professional Development

Career development and training

Professional Development focuses upon training that advances an individuals career. These individuals may be field guides, trackers, hunters, conservation personnel, medical personnel, honorary rangers and adventure guides. They are more formalised that other modes of training, require effort and focus. Certificates are issued.

Professional Development

Activities

Practical and interactive activities

Activities offer an easy way to learn about the environment or venomous animals. Suitable for various ages, these activities are usually short in duration, engaging, entertaining as well as educational. Actual duration and activity level is dependant on the group.

Pratical Activities

Jonathan Leeming

Jonathan is Southern Africa’s leading authority on spider bite and scorpion sting first response. He is a best selling author, international speaker and award-winning conservationist. He consults for poison information helplines, medical organisations and academic institutions, and speaks and is a panel member at medical conferences and is a member of the National Snakebite Adivisory Group. His work has inspired a generation, and has shaped our understanding of scorpions and scorpion stings across Southern Africa.

Jonathan is a proud recipient of a 2020 Eco-Logic Environmental award for his One World Book and associated presentations, workshops, activities and free resources.

Re-publication of content & terms of use

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