Boomslang

Introduction: The boomslang (Dispholidus typus) is a large snake with huge eyes and round pupils on a large head. Boomslangs are dangerous, but shy reptiles, preferring to hunt during the day. They have excellent eyesight which helps them to catch their victims. This species will inflate the neck to expose brightly coloured skin when cornered and may strike. The amount of venom injected is a very small amount but is potent and can cause death by haemorrhage. Symptoms may not develop for 24 to 28hrs and a specific anti-venom is required to treat this snakebite. Their preferred habitat is open bush and savannah.

Distribution: From the Windhoek region extending north through Etosha National Park, extending east along the Angolan border as far east along the Zambezi Region (formerly the Caprivi Strip) and into the Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve, Makgadikgadi National Park and the Central Kalahari Game Reserve.

Diet: Small vertibrates such as chameleons and birds.

Colouring: The head is dark brown above and white below with emerald-green eyes and a yellow throat. Males are either a leafy-green colour with a light green belly or bright green or yellow with black-edged scales.

Breeding: Mating occurs in spring and females usually lay up to 25 eggs per litter. They are laid in tree hollows and incubation takes between 2 to 3 months.

Size: Max SVL male 1.3m, female 1.25m.