Department of Vertebrates
Herpetology Collection
SOUTH AFRICAN SNAKES
INTRODUCTION:
The wilds of Africa are often associated with snakes and rightly so, but, unfortunately, usually for the wrong reasons. While most people are afraid of snakes, South Africa is well known amongst herpetologists and snake lovers for the interesting variety of species of which some are highly priced in the pet trade. Because of the potential pressure by the export trade on natural populations, the collecting, keeping, trading and export of snakes is strictly controlled.
In general they are timid creatures which will avoid confrontations except in self defense. Most species are actually harmless, graceful, elegant and some even pretty to beautiful, but it also can not be denied that a few do look nasty, some are very dangerous and may take on terrifying poses and behaviour patterns when they feel threatened. Thus one should never attempted handling or picked up snakes unless positively identified as being harmless.
photo's: Mr W.D. Haacke
Transvaal Museum page