Beware of the Stiletto Snake
The Stiletto Snake (Atractaspis bibronii), previously known as a Mole Adder, is a highly venomous but harmless-looking snake that accounts for numerous snakebites during the summer months in Southern Africa….
Dwarf Adders of Southern Africa
The genus Bitis comprises of 18 species restricted to Africa with the exception of the Puff Adder (Bitis arietans) which has a limited distribution on the Arabian Peninsula. Of…
Identifying the Green Snakes of Southern Africa
There are nine snakes in southern Africa that may be green in colour. These snakes can be complicated to tell apart and many people struggle to do so. Only two…
Not a snake but a Legless Skink
Often confused with their serpent relatives, Legless Skinks are of the genus Acontias and are in fact lizards and not snakes. There are around 30 species in southern Africa,…
Snake Repellents
The subject of snake repellents comes up very often and despite good evidence that there is nothing known that repels snakes, many people still blindly follow age-old advice. Much has…
The Small Brown Scorpion of Gauteng
In the warmer months of summer, when the rains arrive, there is a small brown scorpion in Gauteng which starts moving and often enters houses. This little scorpion is…
True facts about the Black Mamba
True facts about the Black Mamba The notorious Black Mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis) is often said to be the deadliest snake in the world and with good reason. It is a large…
Virtual Museums
What is a virtual Museum? Museums hold a selection of animals, usually multiple specimens from different regions across the range. Each specimen has a label that gives identification, collection date…