neurotoxic snakes in south africa

The Puff Adder is occours in a large range of habitat, from costal bush, grass land, vybos and montane habitat. Snakes with predominantly neurotoxic venom include the Black Mamba, Green Mamba, and some non-spitting cobras. Pythons are ‘constrictors’ which mean they hold their prey with their teeth and then constrict them until they are unable to breathe and their heart then stops. Newly born gaboon vipers are about 30cms in length. Of the 170 species of snakes in Southern Africa only 20 are capably of inflicting a deadly bite. Your email address will not be published. Diamond shaped darker markings are found on the back and tail – these are sometimes bordered with white. Typically yellowish to olive brown but can be brown or dark brown. Polyvalent antivenom is used in the effective treatment of bites. Green mambas are active during the day (diurnal), but are seldom seen on the ground, unless after their prey or basking in the sun. Largely seen in-game parks such as the Kruger National Park. For more be sure to read Common Harmless Snakes Of South Africa. Often making their ways into homes in search of prey – these snakes are persecuted being mistaken for Green Mambas and Boomslang. Although not often encountered as these snakes are largely absent from the Western and Eastern Cape. Night adders are often confused with egg eating snakes (Dasypeltis). This is one of the most common, highly-venomous snakes found in and around Durban. Excellent  at pest extermination, these snakes feeding mainly on rats, mice, lizards, birds and even bats have been recorded as prey. Reptile & Amphibian Presentations/Talks, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window). Head has a dark brown or black V-shaped mark, the top of which points forward and finishes between the eyes. Cape Cobra – VERY DANGEROUS Adults reach an average of 90cms to 120cms but have been known to reach 150cms in length. A real benefit to any budding horticulturist. Primarily a frog feeder but are known to take geckos and small lizards. Green mambas are mainly arboreal (live in trees), but are also known to inhabit bamboo thickets, mango groves and coastal shrub land. No anti-venom exists for a bite by the vine snake. Required fields are marked *. Their activity peaks just as the first rains of summer arrive, coinciding with the increase in amphibian activity. These snakes average around 50-60cm  but can reach over 1 m in certain areas large enough to consume an adult chicken egg. Males colouring is highly variable ranging from black to bright green. Diet is primarily consists of toads, but if food is scarce, they will also prey on small mammals, reptiles and other amphibians. Probably South Africa’s most widely-spread, common venomous snake. The female lays between 6 and 18 eggs in the summer usually in rotting vegetation. Often confused with the Boomslang (Dispholidus typus). Large triangular head tapers into a narrow neck. Keenly developed sense of smell – they will not eat rotten eggs or ones that are too far developed for their taste. There are currently approximately 170 species and sub-species of snakes found in South Africa. They possess a potent haemotoxic venom, for which there is an antivenom available. They are one of the few snakes in Southern Africa that are sexually dimorphic, meaning that the males and females feature different colouring. Incubation period is between 2 and 3 months. This snake is known from two distinct vartions, a sandy brown, pale yellow, dark brown as well as a striking black and yellow banded variety. Generally only attacks if cornered or provoked. Size ranges from 0.5metres to 1.5metres in length. The Green mamba is oviparous (egg laying). These snakes can be found in almost every environment from suburban gardens, forests, grasslands and including the drier arid regions of the Karoo. It would be impossible to feature all South Africa’s snakes in this guide as there are said to be 171 snake species found here; and luckily only a small percentage of these are venomous. From the arid regions in the West, the coastal forests in the Eastern half of country, grasslands and montane fynbos. Body is cylindrical and stout with a long tail. Easily distinguishable by the two white lines running down the side of the head. Photographic Requests These snakes feed exclusively on birds eggs and can go many months without a meal when the birding season comes to an end. Two enlarged venom fangs fixed in the front of the mouth. Favoured habitat is grassland, bushes and small trees. Averaging only 1.2m in length, commonly found often in residential gardens particularly, those bordering nature reserves. It solely deals with bites from these snakes, and is called a monovalent antivenom. Your email address will not be published. Common Boomslang (Dispholidus typus viridis), THE LITTLE FIVE – INSIDE AFRICA CNN DOCUMENTARY. Herald Snake  – MILDY VENMOUS but not dangerous. Eggs are incubated for about four months. Extremely low and such cases are exceptionally rare. Newly hatched Boomslang are grey with blue patches and do not achieve their full colouring until several years old. Juvenile snakes are brown/grey with speckles, and have a brilliant emerald-green eye. Males larger than females; average size 1.5 to 2 metres in length. As their name suggests, this snake can spit/spray its venom with incredible accuracy, reaching targets up to 3m away. Some other poisonous snakes in South Africa include snouted cobra, Mozambique spitting cobra, Gaboon vipers, Vine snake and Egyptian cobra. Young Boomslang hatch between 70 and 100 days later. Only likely to attack if cornered or provoked. The Mozambique Spitting Cobra (Naja mossambica) , Cape Cobra (Naja nivea) the Puff Adder  account for the majority of serious snake bites South Africa.. Its colour can be yellow, orange or grey. Generally ambushes its prey rather than actively hunts it. Often found basking by footpaths and tend to remain still in the presence of an intruder. Green mambas are shy, non-aggressive and only likely to attack if provoked or cornered. Newborns are between 12 and 18cms in length. Puncture marks can be seen at the wound area. Spotted Bush Snake – HARMLESS Viviparous – the gaboon viper gives birth to live young and up to 30 at a time. Call: +27 84 492 2542 Black mambas are capable of rearing up to a third of their length in the air. If you’re not within 3 m of a snake it cannot bite you and you’re in the safe zone. A pair of ‘horns’ are located between their raised nostrils. Deaths from snake bites are rare, even in remote locations often there is sufficient time to get medical attention. After mating the male returns to its own nest. Common Boomslang (Dispholidus typus viridis) Favouring bushveld, grassland and savanah habitats the Snouted Cobra can get large and individuals are well known to reach 2.5 m.  Commonly seen in game parks crossing roads and often encountered on farms. They will bite readily if handled but the bites are superficial and of no concern. Although the chances of you encountering a snake in the wild are relatively uncommon. 30 No. The colouring of the night adder varies from light browny-pink to light grey. Hatchlings between 50 and 60cms in length. Another widespread species which favour damp localities and suburban gardens where it hunts slugs and snails. Extremely willing to bite and able to strike at very high speed and from a distance of about one third of their body length. In most cases you may catch a glimpse of a snake before it quickly disappears from sight. Wide variation in pattern and colour; ranging from browns and greens to solid dark grey. Hatchlings are venomous from birth and up to 18 inches in length. When first caught they may bite and strike out readily which may draw blood but only superficial bite marks. Often confused with the Night Adder (Causus rhombeatus). Larger specimens can reach close to 1m in length and as they age may appear a gun-metal grey colour and are often thought to be Black Mambas due to their impressive threat display.The aim of this article is to give the everyday person who may not come into contact with snakes who has an innate fear of snakes a piece of mind knowing that snake encounters are uncommon and snake bites are even rarer. Bites from large individual may require stitches, in some areas these snakes reach close to 2 m in length. Their diet consists mainly of birds and mammals but will also eat insects and rodents. Black mamba – VERY DANGEROUS

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