SNakes of durban Brown House Snake Herald Snake Non - venomous Boaedon capensis Crotaphopeltis hotamboeia Often found near human habitation where they Also referred to as the Red-lipped herald. hunt rodents, lizards and small birds. This nocturnal (active at night) snake feeds They are active at night and often collected mainlyly on frogs and is one of the more common for the pet trade. snakes found around human dwellings. SPOTTED BUSH Snake Eastern Natal Green Snake Southern Brown Egg eater Philothamnus semivariegatus Philothamnus natalensis natalensis Dasypeltis inornata Probably the most commonly found snake in This green snake is often confused with the This snake has heavily keeled body scales and urban areas. They are very good climbers, Green mamba. This diurnal species, (active during is nocturnal (active at night) . Although harmless, often seen hunting geckos and lizards the day) actively hunts frogs and geckos. they put up an impressive aggression display, in the rafters of homes. Max length 1.1 metres. with striking and open mouth gaping. Can reach This diurnal species (active during the day) over 1 metre in length and when they are that big is often confused with the Green mamba. they can eat chicken eggs. Habitat includes Max length 1.1 metres. grasslands, coastal forests and it frequents suburban gardens where they are known to enter aviaries in search of eggs. night adder Causus rhombeatus A common snake often found near ponds and dams because they feed exclusively on amphibians. They have a cytotoxic venom and bite symptoms will include pain and swelling. Max length 1 metre. venomous Mozambique Spitting Cobra Naja mossambicus This common cobra has a potent cytotoxic venom and is responsible for many bites in southern Africa. They are mostly active at night when they hunt frogs, toads and rodents. They are found in grasslands, coastal forest and savannah. An antivenom is produced by The South African Vaccine Producers (SAVP). highly venomous Max length 1.8 metres. SNakesSNakes ofof durbandurban vine snake green mamba black mamba Thelotornis capensis Dendroaspis angusticeps Dendroaspis polylepis This highly venomous snake has a potent Prefers coastal forest and rarely found more Black mambas live in grasslands and rocky areas hemotoxin for which there is no antivenom. than a few km’s from the coast. Lives in trees and of southern and eastern Africa. This species is They actively hunt their prey using their prefers to stay away from terrestrial, but they are excellent climbers. It is exceptional camouflage. human habitation, however, urban development the longest venomous snake in Africa, reaching They are endemic to southern Africa and has pushed these snakes closer to human over 4 metres in length, inhabit coastal bush, forests and savannas. dwellings and habitat destruction is their single however most are just over 2,5 metres in length. Max Length 1.6 metres. biggest threat. They are considered the most dangerous A shy snake that will not bite unless handled snake in Africa due to their nervous or provoked. demeanour and speed. They possess a potent neurotoxic venom. They possess a potent neurotoxic venom. An antivenom is produced by The South African A polyvalent antivenom is produced in South Vaccine Producers (SAVP). Africa and administered to bite victims when Max length 2.2 metres. necessary. Adult Juvenile Stilleto Snake boomslang puff adder Atractaspis bibronii Dispholidus typus Bitis arietans Responsible for most bites in the greater The Boomslang is highly venomous and The Puff adder has a potent cytotoxic venom Durban area. Their potent cytotoxic venom possesses a potent hemotoxin. and is responsible for many bites in causes severe pain and swelling. Mainly tree dwelling, they are sexually southern Africa. These burrowing snakes are often seen after dimorphic with females being brown and The name Puff adder comes from the loud rains or unearthed during building excavations. males in KZN, green. warning hiss expelled when threatened. This snake is often mistaken for Because this snake seldom bites, few bites are Found in grasslands and savannah, they prefer the Brown house snake or the Wolf snake. recorded, however, an antivenom is areas where they can use their camouflage to They average 30cm but do grow larger. produced by The South African Vaccine hunt and escape predation. Producers (SAVP). An antivenom is produced by The South African They have a wide distribution, living in trees Vaccine Producers (SAVP). in grasslands, thickets and coastal forest. May reach lengths of 2 metres. Photo credit: Nick Evans Photo credit: Dylan Leonard.