A new mobile app from Costa Rica focuses on identifying venomous snakes found across the country, an issue that has long created confusion among locals and visitors. Developed by the Universidad de Costa Rica through its Clodomiro Picado Institute, the tool provides science-based guidance for recognising species, understanding basic safety steps, and accessing reliable reference material in one place.
The app is intended for general use and is available for free on both Android and iOS devices. Experts note that accessible tools like this can support better awareness and improve responses during snake encounters. Mobile-based resources are increasingly used in public health contexts, particularly where quick access to verified information is important.
ICP App for identifying venomous snakes in Costa Rica
The ICP App, developed by the Clodomiro Picado Institute, is intended to enable the recognition of the 25 venomous species of snakes found in Costa Rica.
The app contains visual and written data that enables the comparison of the snakes found with the documented species.The main goal of the app is to provide the public with an easily accessible reference guide. The app is developed to ensure ease of use and is intended for the public, whether they are locals or visitors to the country, and are likely to encounter snakes in the wild.The app is freely available and can be accessed on two major mobile platforms.
PC: Google Play Store
Why the ICP App was developed for snake identification in Costa Rica
According to institute representatives, the development of the app was influenced by frequent public inquiries. People regularly sent photographs of snakes to determine whether they were venomous.This occurred frequently, reportedly on a near-daily basis. Dr. Andrés Hernández Bolaños, associated with the initiative, noted that these inquiries highlighted gaps in public understanding. In some cases, assumptions led to unnecessary reactions, including the killing of non-threatening snakes.
The app provides a centralised reference based on scientific data, reducing reliance on fragmented online sources or informal advice.
What users can actually do with it
The ICP App has both identification components and guidance components. The user has the option of viewing information on what action to take in case of a snake bite. The first aid instructions are given straightforwardly.Further components provide information on what the institute does, including antivenom production and research activities.
The information would be useful to medical practitioners, students, or anyone interested in medical procedures. The app has a component where users can note the geographical location where an incident has taken place. The information would be useful in assisting medical practitioners in determining the type of snake involved in an incident.
Reducing misidentification of venomous snakes in Costa Rica
There are venomous and non-venomous snakes found in Costa Rica. These snakes have similar physical attributes, and this is one reason they are likely to be confused with one another. There are about twelve non-venomous snakes covered in the app. These are the ones that are most likely to be confused with venomous snakes. This will help in better identification and response to the situation.Availability of quick references will enable people to deal with the situation more calmly, especially when they are outdoors.
