Spotted Bush Snakes

The Spotted Bush Snake, Philothamnus semivariegatus, is a common diurnal snake species in various areas across Southern Africa.

It is often killed because it is mistaken for the highly venomous Boomslang (Dispholidus typus). The Spotted Bush Snake is however completely harmless.

They are great climbers that can scale trees and rock surfaces with ease. Lizards and geckos make up the staple of its diet.

When threatened, they may inflate the neck to reveal bright blue intersitial skin (skin underneath the scales). This threat display is seen in the Boomslang and Vine Snakes (Thelotornis species) as well.

It can be distinguished from the Boomslang by its girth- an adult Spotted Bush Snake is only slightly thicker than a Bic pen. A Boomslang grows much thicker and is large bodied. The scales of a Boomslang are also much bigger and more prominent.

King of the Bushveld

Snouted Cobras, Naja annulifera, are common and widespread throughout the savanna biome of southern Africa.

Of the two cobra species in Limpopo it is the largest, known to reach lengths of 2.5m.

It is most active in the late afternoon and first hour or two after dark. It feeds on a variety of prey including other snakes, particularly puff adders, but toads are a favourite.

It has a strong neurotoxic venom with a significant presence of cytotoxins in it.

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Egg Thieves

The two-lined shovel snout, Prosymna bivittata, is a harmless fossorial snake that feeds on the eggs of other snakes and particularly gecko eggs.

They are small snakes easily identified by the shovel-like snout. Often seen moving around on the surface in the late afternoon following showers and pour-downs.

When molested, they may flatten the body and hiss as they coil and uncoil.

Dragons in the Mountains

The Waterberg Dragon Lizard, Smaug breyeri, is an endemic species that is restricted to the Waterberg area of western Limpopo, South Africa.

Despite their fierce appearance, they are non-venomous insectivores and are locally common where they inhabit rocky outcrops in mountainous areas.

It gives birth to a small number of live young.

Lavender

Lavender is said to keep snakes away, but that is an old wives tale. To date there are no proven snake repellents, including commercially available products.

Puff Adders

Puff Adders (Bitis arietans) are probably the single most widespread snake in Africa, even reaching the Arabian peninsula.  Because of its extensive range and ambush behaviour it is responsible for a very large number of snakebites every year.

Research has however shown that puff adders in ambush seldom bite when stepped on, since it would give away the snake's position. New research has also revealed chemical crypsis in this species-the snake somehow masks its scent when it ambushes, and cannot be smelled by predators. This together with its outstanding camouflage makes it a true master at avoiding detection.

They are highly venomous and have a strong cytotoxic venom.

Leopards in Shells

Leopard Tortoises, Stigmochelys pardalis are widely distributed in South Africa and much of sub-Saharan Africa. It is easy to see where they get their name from.

These tortoises can live for up to 70 years and more in the wild. They are strict herbivores and are well adapted to arid environments.

The temperature at which the eggs are incubated determines the sexes of the hatchlings, with more females developing under higher temperatures, and more males when the temperature is cooler. The shells are very soft when the tortoises hatch.

This little one was only a few days old, and still has its eggtooth intact.

Monitor Lizards

The White-Throated Monitor, Varanus albigularis albigularis, is one of the two monitor species that can be found in South Africa. It is the smaller of the two species, but still a large lizard when fully grown. Monitors are incredibly robust animals with tough skins, very strong claws, powerful tails and mighty jaws.

They are intelligent reptiles and are widespread, particularly in the savanna throughout Southern Africa.
They are opportunistic feeders that eat anything that can fit in their mouths from snakes, frogs, insects, other lizards, birds, rodents, eggs and carrion. Monitors can swim very well, have excellent eyesight and a keen sense of smell. Their powerful legs allow them to run incredibly fast and they are masters at climbing and can scale trees and rock surfaces with ease.

Research has revealed that monitor lizards are in fact venomous, but have no fangs, thus the venom is carried in the saliva. It has mild effects however, and is not considered dangerous. A bite is rather unpleasant, simply because of their strong jaws and sharp teeth. The tail is also used as a whip for self defense.

The local English name is 'leguaan', similar to the Afrikaans 'likkewaan'.

This young male was removed from a suburban home in Polokwane and released into the Polokwane Game Reserve.

Busy Bees

Not too bad for a bridge camera at all. This bee was photographed hard at work in a garden outside of Polokwane.

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Visit the Beautiful Africa Photography facebook page for more photos, and an action shot of a chameleon catching a grasshopper.

Ground Lion

The word 'chameleon' is derived from the Greek term "ground lion", even though most chameleon species are arboreal (tree-living).

Chameleons are well known for their ability to change colour. This is done by constricting and dilating pigment cells known as chromatophores, the same phenomenon is seen in certain fish species. Chameleons change colour for various reasons, the most obvious being camouflage. However it may also be in response to temperature and exposure to the sun, a perceived threat or a mate.

Chameleons have eyes that are capable of moving independently in different directions, giving them close to 360 degrees field of vision.

The Common Flap-Neck Chameleon, Chamaeleo dilepis dilepis pictured below, feeds mainly on winged insects. Prey is captured using the long tongue, which may be twice the total body length of the animal. The tongue has a suction cup and very sticky mucus covering. This chameleon occurs throughout most of sub-Saharan Africa and as a result there are a number of subspecies.

It is one of only two chameleon species found in Limpopo, the other being the Transvaal Dwarf Chameleon, Bradypodion transvaalense.

Uncommon find in Limpopo

Although very common in certain parts of South Africa, the Mole Snake, Pseudaspis cana, is a rare find in the Limpopo Province, especially in the northern areas.

Mole Snakes can grow to be large, thick-bodied snakes. Although they are not venomous, the teeth are long and  large individuals may inflict painful bites. Small snakes like the Thread Snakes (Leptotyphlops) and even the venomous Stiletto Snakes (Atractaspis) are often incorrectly referred to as Mole Snakes by locals.

It spends much of its life underground, hence the common name. It feeds mainly on rodents and fossorial (living underground) skinks.

The colour may vary, with solid black individuals being common in some parts of the country. Juveniles undergo a colour change when they become adults, and are blotched/checkered at birth (Mole Snakes give birth to live young, they do not lay eggs).

The individual pictured below was an adult photographed on the outskirts of Polokwane in the Limpopo Province of South Africa.

Two Common inhabitants of the Waterberg

The Red Toad, Schismaderma carens, is locally abundant in the Waterberg area of Limpopo and is widespread throughout Limpopo.

A very common lizard, especially at higher elevation in Limpopo, is the Variable Skink, Trachylepis varia. This was a juvenile.

Birth of the Blog

Beautiful Africa Photography is an attempt to share not only the smaller, often overlooked gems that Africa has to offer, but the sheer beauty and magnificence of the continent. Like all things in life, it has humble beginnings and it is a learning process. It is hoped that many eyes will be opened, misconceptions cleared up and souls inspired.

 To start off with a classic African feel-These photos were taken at dusk near Bandelierkop in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. It features two typical African plants, an Acacia (on the right) and Euphorbia tree(left).