Herald snake

Introduction: Herald snakes are terrestrial, nocturnal African snakes with characteristic short, flattened heads and vertical pupils in big eyes. They have smooth scales. This species do not have large venom glands, but without toxic symptoms in any Namibian species. As they inhabit mainly marshy areas, frogs and other amphibians are high the menu. Females are oviparous. There is only 1 species of Herald snake found in Namibia.

The Herald or red-lipped snake's uncommon name is derived from the first notation being recorded in South Africa's Eastern Province Herald newspaper. They have large, blade-like fangs and flattens its head and flares its lips when threatened, affording a viper-like appearance. They will bite at will (who's getting a bit fed up getting bitten day in, day out!) but is not fatal. They tame well apparently and prefer a savannah and open woodland habitat.

Distribution: Marshy areas of the Zambezi Region (formerly the Caprivi Strip), Bwabwata National Park as far as Victoria Falls and beyond as well as swampy areas of the Okavango Panhandle and Delta.

Diet: These snakes feed at night on amphibians by grabbing their prey and holding it until the venom has immobilized its victim.

Colouring: The upper back is olive to green-black and the belly is white. The head is a changeable blue-black with an orange-red upper lip.

Breeding: Females lay between 6 and 20 eggs in a leaf litter in early summer.

Size: Max SVL male 701mm, female 710mm.