Olive marsh snakes

Introduction: Marsh snakes belong to the Old World Water Snakes subfamily Natricinae. They are usually restricted to the northern hemisphere, but there are a few species in Africa and just the 1 in Namibia. They feed mainly on fish and small frogs and are a quiet and unobtrusive addition to swamp and wet forest habitation. Olive Marsh snakes (Natriciteres olivacea) are small inhabitants of vleis and pans. Snake lovers find they tame well and make manageable pets. They prefer a savannah type habitat.

Distribution: Caprivi Strip including Bwabwata National Park and the Okavango Delta.

Diet: Winged termites appear on the menu when they can catch them hovering around.

Colouring: The upper body is dark olive to chestnut-black with a wide, darker band down the backbone. The belly is yellow to orange with grey edges.

Breeding: Females lay between 6 or 8 eggs in early summer.

Size: Max SVL male 290mm, female 407mm.