Dangerous Snakes of the Western Cape
The Medically Significant Snakes of the Western Cape Province: A Factual Guide
The Western Cape has a unique mix of arid, coastal, and mountainous habitats, hosting several highly dangerous venomous snakes, including species endemic to the region. The province is home to five species considered Highly Venomous (has caused human fatalities).
SCROLL INDEX
Highly Venomous Species (Potentially Life-Threatening Bites)
Regional and Rare Dangerous Species
Highly Venomous/Life Threatening Species
Dangerous/Medically Significant Species
Highly Venomous Species (Potentially Life-Threatening Bites)
These species have venom that can result in human fatality without quick medical intervention and usually require antivenom.
Cape Cobra from near Sweet Valley, Cape Town © Leo Du Toit, some rights reserved (CC-BY-NC)
DANGEROUS SNAKES OF THE WESTERN CAPE PROVINCE
Cape Cobra (Naja nivea)
- Danger Level: Highly Venomous (Very Dangerous – has caused human fatalities).
- Venom Type: Primarily a potent Neurotoxic venom, causing Progressive Weakness Syndrome.
- Description: An active, highly dangerous cobra common throughout the province. It exhibits wide colour variation (yellow, red-brown, olive, black) and spreads a prominent hood when confronted, biting readily. Its neurotoxins can quickly shut down the respiratory system.
Puff Adder from near Hermanus – © izzyreis, some rights reserved (CC-BY-NC)
DANGEROUS SNAKES OF THE WESTERN CAPE PROVINCE
Puff Adder (Bitis arietans)
- Danger Level: Highly Venomous (Very Dangerous – has caused human fatalities).
- Venom Type: Potently Cytotoxic venom, causing severe pain, massive swelling, blistering, and tissue destruction caused by the Painful Progressive Swelling Syndrome.
- Description: A stout, heavy-bodied snake that relies heavily on its camouflage. It is slow to move and will often hiss or “puff” a warning, but its tendency to lie on footpaths makes it the cause of numerous bites.
Boomslang males in combat, from north of Sedgefield © jean hirons, some rights reserved (CC-BY-NC)
DANGEROUS SNAKES OF THE WESTERN CAPE PROVINCE
Boomslang (Dispholidus typus)
- Danger Level: Highly Venomous (Very Dangerous – has caused human fatalities).
- Venom Type: Potently Haemotoxic venom causing a Bleeding Syndrome which destroys the blood’s clotting ability, leading to massive haemorrhage.
- Description: A slender, arboreal (tree-dwelling) snake with a distinct egg-shaped head. Though its venom is deadly, it is very shy and bites are rare. Western Cape males are often black with green, yellow, or orange sides.
Rinkhals from near Hermanus – © Rebecca Dames, some rights reserved (CC-BY-SA)
DANGEROUS SNAKES OF THE WESTERN CAPE PROVINCE
Rinkhals (Hemachatus haemachatus)
- Danger Level: There have been no recent recorded deaths from Rinkhals bites, with the last fatalities on record being children in the 1940s and 1950s. The Rinkhals rarely bites, but it is an effective spitter, aiming venom at the eyes. Its venom is the weakest used in polyvalent antivenom production, and its effects resulting from a bite are mostly localized.
- Venom Type: Largely cytotoxic, with a weak neurotoxic component
- Description: A dark-grey to brownish snake with keeled scales and one or two distinct light bands on the throat. Specimens from the Western Cape usually have with yellow bands or rings on the body. It is known for its dramatic threat display of hooding and feigning death.
Black Spitting Cobra – © Patrick Wiltshire, some rights reserved (CC-BY-NC)
DANGEROUS SNAKES OF THE WESTERN CAPE PROVINCE
Black Spitting Cobra (Naja nigricincta woodi)
- Danger Level: Highly Venomous (Very Dangerous – has caused human fatalities).
- Venom Type: Potently Cytotoxic venom, which is spat with accuracy.
- Description: A uniform pitch-black cobra found in the arid, northern parts of the province with records as far south as Durbanville. It is a highly nervous species that will readily spit or bite if cornered.
Regional and Rare Dangerous Species
These snakes have a Dangerous bite, but do not cause death and no antivenom is required.
Cape Coral Snake © Courtney Hundermark, some rights reserved (CC BY NC)
DANGEROUS SNAKES OF THE WESTERN CAPE PROVINCE
Cape Coral Snake (Aspidelaps lubricus)
- Danger Level: Considered dangerous, but bites are uncommon. There have been no recorded human fatalities, but the venom is potentially life-threatening due to its effect on the nervous system. Immediate hospital observation and symptomatic treatment are required if a bite occurs, as there is no specific antivenom for this species.
- Venom Type: The venom is predominantly neurotoxic. This type of venom affects the nervous system and potentially affect breathing, leading to respiratory failure. Bites may also present with pain and swelling.
- Description: This snake is identified by its small, slender body with red-orange and black rings, and its ability to raise a narrow hood when threatened.
Berg Adder from near Betty’s Bay © Rob Holst, some rights reserved (CC BY NC)
DANGEROUS SNAKES OF THE WESTERN CAPE PROVINCE
Berg Adder (Bitis atropos)
- Danger Level: Venomous (Dangerous).
- Venom Type: Primarily Neurotoxic with some cytotoxic effects.
- Description: A small adder, usually found in mountainous and fynbos habitats. Bites are intensely painful and can cause severe symptoms like temporary blindness, but are not typically life-threatening.
Many-horned Adder from near Vredendal © Justin Allart, some rights reserved (CC-BY-NC)
DANGEROUS SNAKES OF THE WESTERN CAPE PROVINCE
Many-horned Adder (Bitis cornuta)
- Danger Level: Venomous (Dangerous).
- Venom Type: Its venom is Cytotoxic, causing pain and swelling, and occasionally necrosis. Its bite is not considered life-threatening.
- Description: A small thick snake found in the Western Cape Province from the Cedarberg northwards into Namaqualand and Namibia. It is found from the Atlantic coast to the rocky escarpment mountains. Rarely found further inland, but there is a public record as far east as Loeriesfontein. Easily identified by a cluster of two to five raised horn-like scales above each eye. It is a slow-moving, cryptic species that relies on camouflage.
Red Adder © saindigenous, some rights reserved (CC-BY-NC)
DANGEROUS SNAKES OF THE WESTERN CAPE PROVINCE
Red Adder (Bitis rubida)
- Danger Level: Venomous (Dangerous).
- Venom Type: Cytotoxic venom.
- Description: The Red Adder is endemic to the Western Cape, being found around the Cedarberg and Swartberg. Their bites are painful and cause local swelling, but are not considered medically significant enough to require antivenom.
Southern Adder © linkie, some rights reserved (CC-BY)
DANGEROUS SNAKES OF THE WESTERN CAPE PROVINCE
Southern Adder (Bitis armata)
- Danger Level: Venomous (Dangerous).
- Venom Type: Cytotoxic venom. While their bites are very painful and cause local swelling, they are not medically significant and do not require antivenom.
- Description: The southern adder is endemic to the Western Cape being found on the low-lying Agulhas plain south of the Swartburg mountains, with a small population around the West Coast National Park .
Horned Adder from near Prince Albert © Collette Hurt, some rights reserved (CC-BY-NC)
DANGEROUS SNAKES OF THE WESTERN CAPE PROVINCE
Horned Adder (Bitis caudalis)
- Danger Level: Venomous (Dangerous).
- Venom Type: Its venom is Cytotoxic, causing pain and swelling, but is not life-threatening. Medical attention for infection control and wound care is imperative.
- Description: A small, widespread adder easily recognized by a single, horn-like scale above each eye (though this can be reduced or absent). Within the Western Cape it occurs in the karroid areas north of the Swartberg Mountains as well as from the Knersvlakte northwards. It often buries itself in loose sand.
Namaqua Dwarf Adder © Stuart Heath, some rights reserved (CC-BY-NC)
DANGEROUS SNAKES OF THE WESTERN CAPE PROVINCE
Namaqua Dwarf Adder (Bitis schneideri)
- Danger Level: Venomous (Dangerous).
- Venom Type: Its venom is mildly Cytotoxic, usually causing only minor pain and swelling. Medical attention for infection control and wound care is imperative.
- Description: Known as the smallest adder in the world (avg. 20 cm). Rare in the Western Cape but can be seen in the vegetated coastal sand dunes from Papendorp northwards. It often shuffles into sand leaving only the head or eyes exposed. It wiggles its dark-tipped tail to attract prey.
Rhombic Night Adder from near Mossel Bay © chris29za, some rights reserved (CC-BY-NC)
DANGEROUS SNAKES OF THE WESTERN CAPE PROVINCE
Rhombic Night Adder (Causus rhombeatus)
- Danger Level: Venomous (Dangerous).
- Venom Type: Mildly Cytotoxic venom.
- Description: A common snake identified by a series of dark, diamond-shaped markings down its back. Bites are painful and cause swelling but are rarely serious to human health.
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Safety and Medical Protocol
In the event of a snakebite, immediate hospitalization is mandatory. Treatment involves managing symptoms, pain control, and the administration of species-specific antivenom where applicable (available for Mambas, Puff Adders, and Cobras). Never attempt to use methods such as tourniquets, cutting the wound, or sucking out venom. The safest approach to coexistence is to maintain distance and allow all snakes to move away naturally.
