University of Costa Rica Debuts Digital Tool to Combat Snakebite Emergency Risks

The Clodomiro Picado Institute debuts the ICP App, a free digital tool to identify Costa Rica's 25 venomous snake species and provide life saving bite protocols.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 4, 2026, 3:12 AM EDT

Source: The Tico Times

Addressing a Critical Information Gap in Public Safety

Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity includes a significant variety of reptiles, yet public misunderstanding often leads to dangerous encounters or the unnecessary killing of non-threatening species. The Clodomiro Picado Institute, a global leader in antivenom production, noted a consistent daily volume of inquiries from citizens seeking snake identification via photographs. According to Dr. Andrés Hernández, the institute’s chief pharmacist, these frequent requests signaled an urgent need for a centralized, reliable, and accessible information hub.

The resulting ICP App serves as a digital field guide that translates complex herpetological science into a user friendly interface. By providing high resolution images and behavioral data, the institute hopes to replace guesswork and unverified online advice with accurate biological facts. This proactive approach is designed to ensure that individuals can distinguish between a potential threat and a harmless specimen, fostering a safer environment for both humans and the local ecosystem.

Interactive Features and Regional Distribution Mapping

The app’s technical architecture, developed with the assistance of engineering student Fernando Morales Cascante, features a streamlined navigation system categorized by species. One of the most significant tools is an interactive map that allows users to filter information by province. This feature is particularly useful for residents and travelers in rural areas, as it highlights which of the 25 venomous species are statistically most likely to be encountered in a specific geographical region.

In addition to the venomous catalog, the app includes a dedicated section for 12 non-venomous species that are frequently misidentified as dangerous. By educating the public on these "mimic" species, the ICP aims to reduce the ecological impact of human fear, which often results in the death of beneficial snakes that control rodent populations. The inclusion of clear language and direct links ensures that the tool remains functional for users across all education levels, including those without prior scientific training.