Stinging Truths: Scorpion Presence In Afghanistan

Afghanistan is home to a large number of scorpion species, mainly from the Buthidae family. Scorpion venom is highly valuable, with medical researchers paying up to $1 million per kilo. Scorpion hunting and smuggling have become a lucrative business in the country, with high demand for scorpion venom in medical research and scorpion smoking. Scorpion stings can be dangerous, especially for children and elders, and should be treated with caution.

Scorpion species in Afghanistan

Afghanistan is home to a large number of scorpion species, mainly from the Buthidae family. The scorpion fauna in Afghanistan has not been extensively studied for several years, and there is limited knowledge about the species and their biology. However, it is known that scorpions in the genus Androctonus are prevalent in the country and pose significant medical risks.

The following is a list of scorpion species that have been reported in Afghanistan, primarily belonging to the Buthidae family:

• Afghanobuthus naumanni
• Androctonus afghanus
• Androctonus amoreuxi
• Androctonus baluchicus (including its light morph variation)
• Buthacus striffleri
• Compsobuthus afghanus
• Compsobuthus rugosulus
• Compsobuthus tofti
• Hottentotta alticola
• Hottentotta buchariensis
• Hottentotta flavidulus
• Hottentotta saulcyi
• Mesobuthus caucasicus parthorum (also known as Olivierius caucasicus parthorum)
• Mesobuthus eupeus (found in Central Afghanistan)
• Mesobuthus eupeus haarlovi
• Mesobuthus macmahoni
• Orthochirus afghanus
• Orthochirus bicolor
• Orthochirus danielleae (formerly known as Afghanorthochirus danielleae)
• Orthochirus erardi (formerly known as Afghanorthochirus erardi)
• Orthochirus heratensis
• Orthochirus monodi (formerly known as Afghanorthochirus monodi)
• Orthochirus pallidus
• Orthochirus samrchelsis
• Orthochirus scrobiculosus
• Sassanidothus zarudnyi
• Euscorpiops lindbergi
• Scorpiops afghanus
• Pseudochactas mischi

In addition to these species, it is likely that the genera Anomalobuthus, Liobuthus, Odontobuthus, Plesiobuthus, and Pseudochactas are also present in Afghanistan due to the potential habitats and their presence in neighbouring countries.

Scorpions from the genus Androctonus, commonly known as fat-tailed scorpions, are considered one of the most dangerous groups of scorpion species globally. They are found in arid and semi-arid regions and are responsible for several human deaths each year due to their potent venom. These scorpions are nocturnal and create nests in crevices during the day to stay moisturized. Their common name derives from their distinctively fat metasoma or tail, while their Latin name, derived from Greek, means "man-killer".

The trade of scorpion hunting and smuggling in Afghanistan has become a lucrative business, with scorpions in high demand for medical research, scorpion smoking, and other uses. Scorpion venom is highly valued in medical research for its potential applications, including anti-cancer properties.

Scorpion venom farming

Afghanistan is home to a wide variety of scorpion species, mainly from the Buthidae family. Scorpion venom is highly valuable, with a single gram selling for up to $115,000. Scorpion venom has a wide range of potential applications, including in medicine and cosmetics. Due to its high value, scorpion farming has emerged as a lucrative business opportunity in Afghanistan and other parts of the world.

Pir Mohammed, an Afghan scorpion farmer, has set up an indoor "farm" to breed and raise scorpions. He collects scorpions from the local community and houses them in gravel-filled plastic boxes in a climate-controlled environment. Mohammed aims to have one million scorpions in the future and sell their venom to medical researchers.

Scorpion venom is in high demand for medical research, with potential applications in cancer treatment, pain relief, and antibiotics. It is also sought-after for cosmetics, with companies claiming near-miracle results from their products containing scorpion venom. The global demand for scorpion-derived products has created a thriving industry, benefiting farmers and consumers alike.

Scorpion farming has become a popular venture in regions with harsh environmental conditions, such as Central Asia and the Middle East. It provides employment opportunities and injects economic vitality into these rare areas of agriculture. Scorpion farms also play a role in conservation efforts by reducing the pressure on wild scorpion populations and protecting them from habitat destruction.

Overall, scorpion venom farming has emerged as a lucrative and innovative business, with the potential to shape the world's agricultural landscape and contribute to medical advancements.

Scorpion smuggling

Afghanistan is home to a large number of scorpion species, mainly from the Buthidae family. Scorpion smuggling in Afghanistan is a big business, with scorpions in high demand for medical research, scorpion smoking, and other uses. The venom is used to develop compounds for anti-cancer medicines, and the scorpion itself is a popular street food snack in many countries, including China. The final price of a scorpion increases with the number of brokers involved in the sale.

The high demand for scorpion venom, especially in the US and Europe, has led to a lucrative business for scorpion hunters in Afghanistan. A liter of scorpion venom can be worth about $10 million, and a scorpion weighing 60 grams was sold for as much as $120,000. The weight of the scorpion matters, as those weighing more than 40 grams have a longer life expectancy.

Pir Mohammed, an Afghan scorpion farmer, raises scorpions to extract and sell their venom to cancer medicine researchers in the West. He has set up an indoor "farm" to breed and raise scorpions, with the goal of having one million scorpions by the end of the next year. The process of extracting venom is delicate, and each scorpion can only produce 1-2 milligrams of venom at a time, taking six months or more to replenish their supply.

Scorpion sting treatment

Afghanistan is home to a large number of scorpion species, most of which are from the Buthidae family. Scorpion stings are painful and can even be fatal, especially for children. The severity of the symptoms depends on the scorpion species, with only about 25-40 scorpion species out of 2000 producing venom potent enough to cause serious harm or death.

First Aid and Home Remedies

• Wash the sting area with soap and water and remove any jewellery or tight clothing, as swelling may impede circulation.
• Apply cool compresses to the sting site, alternating 10 minutes on and 10 minutes off.
• Administer pain medication such as acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) to alleviate pain. Avoid aspirin and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) as they may contribute to other issues.
• Antibiotics are generally not necessary unless the sting becomes secondarily infected.
• Do not cut into the wound or attempt to remove venom through suction.
• If a child under five years old is stung, seek immediate medical attention.
• If symptoms worsen, contact Poison Control or emergency services.

Medical Treatment

• Scorpion antivenom is available for certain scorpion species, such as the Centruroides (bark scorpion). Antivenom can be highly effective in stopping symptoms but is used cautiously due to concerns about side effects and cost.
• If severe symptoms are present, seek immediate medical attention. Treatment may include sedatives for muscle spasms and intravenous (IV) medication for high blood pressure, pain, and agitation.
• If symptoms are due to an allergic reaction rather than the venom itself, treatment will be tailored accordingly.
• In areas with limited medical access, antivenom may be administered as a preventive measure, especially for children.
• If possible, capture the scorpion safely and bring it to the hospital for identification to aid in treatment.

Prevention

• Scorpions often hide in firewood, clothing, bed linen, shoes, and garbage, so take care when handling these items.
• Wear protective clothing, such as gloves and shoes, especially when working outdoors or in scorpion-prone areas.
• Shake out clothing, shoes, and bedding before use to dislodge any scorpions.
• Use UV (black) light to detect scorpions in dark areas like closets or underneath porches, as they fluoresce under this light.
• Keep your living space clear of clutter, wood piles, and debris to reduce potential hiding spots for scorpions.

Scorpion as food

Afghanistan is home to a large number of scorpion species, mainly from the Buthidae family. Scorpion venom is highly prized among medical researchers, and some entrepreneurs in the country have started scorpion farms to meet the demand. Scorpion venom has been found to have anti-cancer properties, and a single gram can sell for as much as $115,000.

Scorpions are also consumed as food in many parts of the world, including China, Thailand, West Africa, Myanmar, and East Asia. While the idea of consuming scorpions might be off-putting to some, the venom is neutralized through cooking or drying, rendering it inert and safe for consumption.

In Thailand, fried scorpion is a popular street food and can be found in markets and tourist areas. The taste has been described as similar to french fries or crispy chicken skin, with a crunchy texture. Scorpions can be prepared in various ways, including frying, grilling, roasting, or even eaten raw. Some people believe that eating scorpions can make your blood hotter during the winter months.

In China, scorpions are a delicacy and can be found in marketplaces and restaurants. Manchurian scorpions are commonly served and have a unique taste among arthropods. Raw, they taste similar to shrimp with a crunchy texture. When roasted with flammable alcohol, they take on a nutty, barbecue flavor. Scorpions can also be served in cocktails, grilled on skewers, sautéed in stir-fries, or even coated in chocolate.

In addition to their unique flavor, scorpions are also a good source of nutrition. They are high in protein, with some sources claiming they can be comprised of up to 80% protein. Scorpions are also said to have health benefits, with some communities in Thailand consuming snake and scorpion rice wine for easing back pain, arthritis, and lumbago.

While scorpion consumption might not be for everyone, it is an interesting example of how cultural perspectives on food can vary widely. For those willing to try this unusual delicacy, it can be a tasty and nutritious treat.

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