Snakes of Tanzania

People’s fear of snakes Snakes are misunderstood and despised in many cultures around the world and Africa is no exception. Much of this fear arises from a lack of knowledge and understanding about these animals, their value, and how to live with them. 

Snakes are usually killed or collected for one of the Four F’s: Fear, Food, Fun or Financial gain. - Sadly, there are still many who indiscriminately kill snakes out of fear and ignorance. - More often than not, fatal snakebites occur when people are trying to kill… or think they have killed… a venomous snake.  However, venomous snakes are secretive carnivores who would much rather be left alone. They will usually tend to bite as a last resort when they feel cornered – a defensive bite. What to do if you see a snake. - If you find a snake when out walking give it a wide berth and leave it alone! Remember that it is probably as frightened of you as you may be of it! If you find one at home, close the door and seal the gap at the bottom. Ask an adult to come and help you. If possible call a snake expert, who will catch and relocate the snake for you.

Wear sensible clothing and shoes when going bushwalking – long pants and boots are much better than shorts and sandals! - Watch where you’re going, where you sit, and before you step over a log. Don’t be paranoid, but be aware of your environment… you will probably enjoy your walks more as you will see the small animals that you otherwise miss!  

Black Mambas are very poisonous to people. Their bite can cause collapse in humans within 45 minutes, or less. Without effective antivenom, death typically occurs in 7–15 hours. - Black mamba is given its name due to the inky black color  inside its mouth. - It is the longest (2 – 3 meters) species of venomous snakes in Africa. - It’s also the fastest moving snake in Africa 11KM/H. - They live in rock, scrubland and termite mounds. 

Eastern Green Mamba - They are very poisonous. They can kill several people with one bite. People bitten can develop swelling of the entire bitten limb. People can die in as little as 30 minutes. -Adult females grow to be about 2.0 metres in total length, while males are slightly smaller. - Green Mambas live in trees and rarely come down to the land. - Due to its coloration, it is usually well camouflaged in trees or bushes. - This mamba preys primarily on adult birds, eggs and rodents. 

 Egyptian Cobra - They are front-fanged snakes and are quite venomous. The venom is potent and the bite of an adult specimen can be rapidly fatal to a human if not promptly treated. -They live in many different habitats. They often come in to people’s homes. They are attracted to the human villages by chickens and rats that are attracted by garbage. - If threatened it can rear up some 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 cm) and at the same time spread a broad hood, which may be more than  five inches (12 cm) across. 

 Puff Adder - This species is responsible for more snakebite fatalities than any other African snake. This is due to a combination of factors, including its wide distribution, common occurrence, large size, potent venom that is produced in large amounts, long fangs, their habit of basking by footpaths and sitting quietly when approached -It is found in all habitats except true deserts, rain forests, and (tropical) alpine habitats. - Although mainly terrestrial, these snakes are good swimmers and can also climb with ease; often they are found basking in low bushes. 

 Rhombic Egg Eater -It grows to a length of 20–35 inches (51– 89 cm), and has almost toothless jaws. - They are not found in closed-canopy forests nor in true deserts, but do inhabitat most ecosystems between these extremes. -The rhombic egg eater is nocturnal. Although mainly terrestrial, it is a good climber and is known to scale rock outcroppings and climb trees to raid birds' nests. -When disturbed, the snake inflates itself and "hisses“. - They eat only eggs, which they swallow whole. 

 Viper -It has the longest fangs, up to 2 inches (5 cm), and the highest venom yield of any venomous snake. - Bites from this species are very rare, due to their docile nature and because their range is limited to rainforest areas. -Due to their sluggishness and unwillingness to move even when approached, people are often bitten after they accidentally step on them, but even then in some cases they may not bite. - However, when a bite does occur, it should always be considered a serious medical emergency. Even an average bite from an average-sized specimen is potentially fatal. 

 The boomslang has highly potent venom, which it delivers through large fangs that are located in the back of the jaw. - Because the venom is slow to act, symptoms may not show until many hours after the bite. While this gives time for getting the antivenom, it also may lead victims to think the bite is not as bad as it is. - Boomslangs live mainly in trees. - They are reclusive (shy), and will flee (run) from anything too large to eat. - Their diet includes chameleons and lizards, frogs, and small mammals, birds, and eggs from nesting birds, all of which they swallow whole. 

 

Slender Blind Snake -These snakes are diggers and are adapted to burrowing, feeding on ants and termites. - This is a small snake which rarely exceeds 30 cm in length. - They occur in a wide variety of habitats from arid (dry) areas to rainforest, and are known to occur near ant and termite nests. -Their diets consist mostly of termite or ant larvae, pupae, and adults. - They suck out the contents of insect bodies and discard the exoskeleton (tough skin). 

 

Amazing facts about snakes!! Snakes are carnivores (meat eaters). Snakes don’t have eyelids. Snakes can’t bite food so have to swallow it whole. Snakes have flexible jaws which allow them to eat prey bigger than their head! Snakes are found on every continent of the world except Antarctica. Snakes have internal ears but not external ones. Snakes used in snake charming performances respond to movement, not sound. There are around 3000 different species of snake. Snakes have a unique anatomy which allows them to swallow and digest large prey. Snakes are covered in scales.