Snakes not in hibernation
19 Aug 2011 07:28 #3734
by intrepid
Take nothing but litter, leave nothing but a cleaner Drakensberg.
Snakes not in hibernation was created by intrepid
I was impressed by two encounters of what might be baby skaapstekers on the counter path at Injisuthi in early August. They were about 15cm long. It reminded me that snakes can be encountered even in the winter months, even though it always surprises me. Anyone know more about the hibernation patterns of Berg snakes, and can anyone confirm what this snake is?
Take nothing but litter, leave nothing but a cleaner Drakensberg.
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19 Aug 2011 08:24 - 19 Aug 2011 08:30 #3735
by diverian
Replied by diverian on topic Re: Snakes not in hibernation
Are those back "legs" which would make it some kind of skink, or just a strategically placed piece of grass ?
Or maybe not skinks seen to look more like lizards and have front legs.
Or maybe not skinks seen to look more like lizards and have front legs.
Last edit: 19 Aug 2011 08:30 by diverian. Reason: Google
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19 Aug 2011 08:36 #3736
by ghaznavid
Replied by ghaznavid on topic Re: Snakes not in hibernation
It is definitely a skaapsteker, I would recognise one of those any day, the distinctive lines give it away. I would love to see one of those in reality (anyone know if they are at all dangerous?).
I was once told you don't get snakes above 2600m, but have seen snakes right near the top of both Langalibalele and Bannerman Pass, and almost stood on them due to the mis-information I was given...
I was once told you don't get snakes above 2600m, but have seen snakes right near the top of both Langalibalele and Bannerman Pass, and almost stood on them due to the mis-information I was given...
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19 Aug 2011 09:03 #3737
by intrepid
Take nothing but litter, leave nothing but a cleaner Drakensberg.
Replied by intrepid on topic Re: Snakes not in hibernation
@diverian: Now there's an interesting case of not seeing the wood for the trees. Those are do indeed look like hind legs. I was zoomed into the upper part of the body before I posted the pic to check for the same but didn't see those further down. The head is also quite lizard-like. They both moved like a snakes though, and didn't use the legs. So which is it: snake or lizard?
@ghaznavid: seen many weird varieties of snakes on the escarpment, and Berg Adders definitely crawl around at higher altitudes too. Seen them on the contour path in winter too.
@ghaznavid: seen many weird varieties of snakes on the escarpment, and Berg Adders definitely crawl around at higher altitudes too. Seen them on the contour path in winter too.
Take nothing but litter, leave nothing but a cleaner Drakensberg.
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19 Aug 2011 09:21 #3738
by ghaznavid
Replied by ghaznavid on topic Re: Snakes not in hibernation
I'm confused, where are these legs you guys are referring to?
The head does look mostly snake-ish to me, found this pic of a skaapsteker online, the head looks similar (imo)...
The head does look mostly snake-ish to me, found this pic of a skaapsteker online, the head looks similar (imo)...
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19 Aug 2011 09:29 #3739
by ghaznavid
Replied by ghaznavid on topic Re: Snakes not in hibernation
Just googled the info on these snakes, they are only mildly venomous, and are rear fanged, so they basically need to chew on you before biting you! Apparently their babies are tiny and when fully grown they can reach 3ft. Although the article seemed to be more interested in the trade in these snakes 
, shocking, take something so rare and beautiful out of its natural environment so it can sit in your lounge on display in a tiny cage, why not just take the San rock art while your at it. I don't have a problem with snakes as pets, but when its something as rare as a skaapsteker, then I do have a problem with it...
, shocking, take something so rare and beautiful out of its natural environment so it can sit in your lounge on display in a tiny cage, why not just take the San rock art while your at it. I don't have a problem with snakes as pets, but when its something as rare as a skaapsteker, then I do have a problem with it...
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19 Aug 2011 09:52 - 19 Aug 2011 10:13 #3740
by renebur
Replied by renebur on topic Re: Snakes not in hibernation
Beautiful snake.You lucky to see one.Here is a pic.of skaapsteker which was killed by some idiot what was trying to convinced me how dangerous it is.I should have taken pic.of the idiot and put him here too.Next time.Skaapsteker is not dangerous to human at all.
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Last edit: 19 Aug 2011 10:13 by intrepid. Reason: Embedded attached image
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19 Aug 2011 10:15 #3741
by JonWells
Replied by JonWells on topic Re: Snakes not in hibernation
Hmm, could be a type of grass lizard, looks very similar to the Cape Grass Lizard academic.sun.ac.za/capeherp/cederberg/cordylidscapegrass.htm
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19 Aug 2011 10:18 #3742
by renebur
Replied by renebur on topic Re: Snakes not in hibernation
If you need to identify a snake there is a great group on facebook "snakes of south africa".Post the picture there and in ten min.you will know what snake it is.Really great group.
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19 Aug 2011 12:25 #3743
by diverian
Replied by diverian on topic Re: Snakes not in hibernation
@ jonwells, I think you are spot on, still very snake-like.
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