Shield nosed snake

Introduction: Shield-Nose snakes (Aspidelaps scutatus) burrow in sandy soil using their nose as a digger. They prefer a savannah and sandveld habitat. This species sham death and their bite may give slurred speech and painful paralysis for a couple of days.

Distribution: Central Namibia from Swakopmund across to the Kalahari Desert and into Botswana extending north to the Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve and Victoria Falls.

Diet: Shield-nose snakes feed at night on small mammals, frogs, lizards and at times, other snakes.

Colouring: A pale grey-brown back, dark blotches and a white belly.

Breeding: Females lay between 4 to 10 eggs.

Size: Max SVL male 630mm, female 640mm.