Forest Cobras: 1 species becomes 5 species.
Five Distinct Species of Forest Cobras Forest cobras were previously thought to be a single species, but recent research has shown that they are actually five distinct species:Black Forest Cobra (Naja guineensis)Central African Forest Cobra (Naja melanoleuca)São Tomé Cobra (Naja peroescobari)West African Banded Cobra (Naja savannula)Brown Forest Cobra (Naja subfulva)These five species are all highly venomous and can be dangerous to humans. However, they are also important members of the [...]
Cape Cobra Color Variations
Color Variations of the Cape CobraDeadly BeautifulCape Cobras come in a large array of colors. These colors range from black to various shades brown, copper, orange or yellow. Most are uniformly colored but speckled specimens can be found in any color form. Occasionally the speckles can combine to form blotches, especially in the Kalahari region.Hatchling and juvenile Cape Cobras usually have a dark colored throat band which will fade as the [...]
Rinkhals vs Mozambique Spitting Cobra – What’s The Difference?
How to tell the difference between a Rinkhals and Mozambique Spitting Cobra. The first thing to consider in how to tell the difference between a Rinkhals and Mozambique Spitting Cobra is location.Rinkhals prefer grasslands and Mozambique Spitting Cobras prefer savanna or bushveld. The distribution of both these snakes overlaps in a few areas. These overlap areas are generally the 'escarpment grasslands' of Western KZN and Mpumulanga.Example towns where you might [...]
The Black Spitting Cobra
DANGEROUSLY VENOMOUSBlack Spitting Cobra (Naja nigricincta woodi)Other Names: Swartspoegkobra, Swart Spoegslang (Afrikaans), Mhungu (chiShona)IDENTIFYING FEATURES:Pitch black with very shiny scales, it lifts front of body to spread a hood, and will quickly spray venom at its enemy.DESCRIPTION:The Black Spitting Cobra is a cobra of medium build. Adults average 1 to 1.2m long and reaching up to 1.8m long. The head is distinct from neck. The eye has round pupil, and [...]
The Spotted Bush Snake
HARMLESSGeneral:The Spotted Bush snake (Philothammus semivariegatus) is an iconic and beautiful species that is well known and common, especially along the Kwazulu-Natal coast. Often seen under roof eaves of buildings, where they will stay and feed on geckos. Very fast moving and will flee if it feels threatened. People mistake their fast movements as aggressive behaviour, when in fact the snake is in a frightened panic, and trying to get [...]
Cape Cobra Venom Variations
Introduction:The Cape Cobra (Naja nivea) is a venomous snake species found in the southern regions of Africa, known for its potent venom and striking appearance. Recent scientific studies have unveiled intriguing variations in the venom composition of Cape Cobras across different locations. In this blog post, we will explore the scientific research that sheds light on these variations and their implications for understanding venom diversity and developing effective antivenom therapies.Study [...]
The Herald Snake
MILDY VENOMOUSGeneralThe Herald Snake (Crotaphopeltis hotamboeia) is known by a few other names: Red-lipped Herald, Redlip, Red Lip, White-lipped snake, White-lipped Herald snake, Black-templed Cat Snake.It is a well-known snake deriving its name from an old Eastern Cape Herald Newspaper.Distribution:In South Africa this snake is found in the wetter eastern half of the country - basically throughout South Africa (except for the Karoo and Northern Cape).Further north it is found [...]
Egg-eater VS Night Adder – How To Tell Them Apart
Egg-eater VS Night Adder - How To Tell Them Apart Egg-eaters are often mistaken for Night Adders, especially where their range overlaps. See the comparison table below for key points to consider when trying to see the difference between the Common Night Adder and the Rhombic Egg-eater. Rhombic Egg-eater “V” Chevron marking on the NECKVertical pupilsSkin appears rough and dryMouth black insideRounded snoutSlender bodyMostly seen at night Egg-eater Map Egg-eater [...]
Stiletto Snake (Atractaspis bibronii) – A World of Pain
Stiletto Snake (Atractaspis bibronii) – A World of Pain VERY DANGEROUS General: The Stiletto Snake (Atractaspis bibronii), also known by many other names: Burrowing adder, Southern stiletto snake, Bibron's stiletto snake, Side-stabbing snake, Bibron's burrowing asp, Bibron's mole viper, and mole adder. It is a venomous snake in the family Atractaspididae. It is endemic to Africa. The specific epithet, bibronii, is in honour of French herpetologist Gabriel Bibron. Statistically this [...]
The Dwarf Sand Snake (Psammophis angolensis)
The Dwarf Sand Snake (Psammophis angolensis) The world of reptiles is adorned with an astonishing array of species, each adapted to its unique ecological niche. Among these is the enigmatic Dwarf Sand Snake (Psammophis angolensis), a captivating serpent that inhabits the arid landscapes of Africa. With its distinct characteristics and remarkable adaptations, this snake offers a window into the complexities of desert ecosystems. Size and Appearance: The Dwarf Sand Snake [...]
The Green Mambas of Africa
The Green Mambas of Africa A Fascinating and Deadly Group Did you know that there are actually FOUR types of Green Mamba?The Southern Green Mamba (Dendroaspis angusticeps)Yellow-tailed Jameson's Mamba (Dendroaspis jamesoni jamesoni)Black-tailed Jameson's Mamba (Dendroaspis jamesoni kaimosae)Western Green Mamba (Dendroaspis viridis)All species are highly venomous and, in the wild, prefer to spend most of their time up in the trees where they are safe from predators and have access to [...]
Seasons of Change and the Fascinating World of Snakes
Dear Friends and Fellow Nature Enthusiasts, Greetings from Mike Perry, owner of African Reptiles and Venom! I hope this newsletter finds you in good health and high spirits. As we transition from the scorching summer to the crisp embrace of winter, I wanted to share some insights into the changing seasons in South Africa and shed light on a captivating aspect of snakes that often goes unnoticed. The Ever-Changing Seasons [...]
How to become a snake catcher
Unleash Your Inner Snake Catcher: Training with Mike Perry from African Reptiles and VenomAre you fascinated by the slithering wonders of the reptile world? Do you dream of becoming a skilled snake catcher, saving both humans and serpents alike? Look no further! Join us as we explore the exciting path to becoming a snake catcher in South Africa, with expert training from the renowned Mike Perry, owner of African Reptiles [...]
VIDEO: Snouted Cobra Call-Out in Gauteng
Join Mike Perry from African Reptiles and Venom on an adrenaline-pumping callout to retrieve a snake from a home in Gauteng, South Africa. In this thrilling video, witness the expertise and courage of Mike as he navigates the challenges of snake handling and removal.00:00 Snake callout and retrieval.02:11 Snake Identification and capture.03:39 Snake information.12:17 Releasing Snake into the Wild.
Gallery of Snake course 24 June 2023
Venomous Snake Handling Course - Gallery Pictured here are Venomous Snake Handling course attendees handling Puff Adders, Rinkhals, Mozambique Spitting Cobras and Snouted Cobras Course AttendeesCourse Attendee with Mozambique Spitting CobraCourse Attendee with Mozambique Spitting CobraCourse Attendee with Mozambique Spitting CobraCourse Attendee with Mozambique Spitting CobraCourse Attendee with Mozambique Spitting CobraCourse Attendee with Mozambique Spitting CobraCourse Attendee with Mozambique Spitting CobraCourse Attendee with Mozambique Spitting CobraCourse Attendee with Puff AdderCourse [...]
Black Mamba Profile
Black Mamba Profile For decades, the Black Mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis) has captivated the imaginations of both researchers, herpetologists, and adventurers alike. Revered for its speed, agility, and potent venom, this iconic reptile demands respect and evokes awe in equal measure. Black Mambas possess a unique allure that ignites a deep sense of wonder. The Black Mamba is Africa's largest venomous snake, capable of reaching astonishing lengths of up to 4.3 [...]
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