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.

Sunday 16th August 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, by offering individuals the knowledge and understanding to assume a leadership role in their local community. The course consists of a presentation, interactive workshop, supporting resources, assessment and certificate.

Course Details & Online Bookings

Scorpion Sting & Conservation books and workbooks

24 Hour Emergency Hotlines In Southern Africa For Bites And Stings

Event Organisor Resources

Charity & Non-Profit Events

Organise Your Own Event

Scorpion Sting First Response Facebook Group

Join me on my Essential Scorpion Sting First Response Facebook and learn more about first response. Also get to hear about events, news, free envenomation resources, invites to free events and more!

Essential Snake Bite First Response

Eswatini Snakebite Symposium 2026

I'attended and participated in the 2025 Eswatini Snakebite Symposium. I focused 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.

Details of the 2026 Symposium are being finalised. Watch this space!

Eswatini Snakebite Symposium 2025 Presentation

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.

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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