Four years of searching and Eventually paid off [B. atropos]

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Re: Four years of searching and Eventually paid off [B. atropos]

Postby warbot » Fri Oct 23, 2009 11:54 am

...yes just pics of the snakes.
I was wondering if it is not possible to fence of a piece of land where these snakes are to secure them from like mentioned, the European and Americans collectors and also the odd guy coming across them by accident. and then collecting a few and ending up in the bin a 2months down the line...

If the association can afford something like this it would be great!!

or what?
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Re: Four years of searching and Eventually paid off [B. atropos]

Postby Adriaan » Fri Oct 23, 2009 12:34 pm

I'm am aware of all of the above and restrict myself to field stydy and obsevation only and are very strict about their location won't likely tell someone about it.
I've also found them active in the mist at low tempratures usually in grass pockets quite a way from any rocky outcrops.
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Re: Four years of searching and Eventually paid off [B. atropos]

Postby armata » Fri Oct 23, 2009 12:53 pm

In addition to those here I have had a lot of enquiries re identifying individual snakes. Scale clipping is a trusted method and have copied an illustration from my old book. The scale clips also provide a DNA sample. They need to be clipped neatly so as not to be confused with natural wear and tear. Make sure you do not touch the clippings as this will contaminate them. Wipe the snake with an antiseptic swab. A photo ID is also a very good plan, as with time you can ID a snake without touching it; there is an example of this I posted somewhere recently. Use a tube, whether the snake is venomous or not for scale clipping.

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Re: Four years of searching and Eventually paid off [B. atropos]

Postby Rishaad » Fri Oct 23, 2009 2:06 pm

Congratulations. 4 years is a pretty long time. We were hoping to find some of these on our drakensburg trip but unfortunately we didn't even find one.
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Re: Four years of searching and Eventually paid off [B. atropos]

Postby mgiddings » Fri Oct 23, 2009 4:01 pm

Same here rishaad but I found none as well.
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Re: Four years of searching and Eventually paid off [B. atropos]

Postby armata » Fri Oct 23, 2009 4:10 pm

There are good reasons why people cannot find berg adders but I am not going to elaborate :twisted:
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Re: Four years of searching and Eventually paid off [B. atropos]

Postby warbot » Fri Oct 23, 2009 4:18 pm

I know your reason armata!...

You take Route 62 ;)
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Re: Four years of searching and Eventually paid off [B. atropos]

Postby Rishaad » Fri Oct 23, 2009 4:21 pm

I know a guy who was tagged by one in the berg. Unfortunately I cannot remember his name but I am sure some of you might know him. He also does tours in the Kruger. He said that it was a bit of a scary experience.
And God has Created every animal from water, of them are some creeping on their bellies, some walk on two legs, and some on four. God Creates what He wills, for sure God has Power over all things. (Noble Quran 24:45)

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Re: Four years of searching and Eventually paid off [B. atropos]

Postby Adriaan » Fri Oct 23, 2009 4:35 pm

Unfortunately people (privite collectors) don't know their limits and will in the proses destroy something beautiful without re thinking their actions and I know this is what is happening with B.atropos in some parts.
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Re: Four years of searching and Eventually paid off [B. atropos]

Postby Scavenger » Fri Oct 23, 2009 5:15 pm

I've actually been fortunate enough to find atropos in the berg before must find the pics being a long time though. Was actually very lucky not to be bitten as it bit my hiking boot thats how I spotted it.
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Re: Four years of searching and Eventually paid off [B. atropos]

Postby Scavenger » Fri Oct 23, 2009 8:19 pm

Did a little search around and found these pics
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Sorry for the quality were taken by a friend.
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Re: Four years of searching and Eventually paid off [B. atropos]

Postby Bushviper » Sat Oct 24, 2009 5:03 pm

B. atropos are not difficult to find. They do pack a nasty punch and the first two senses that you lose after a bite are sight and balance. Those two are generally required to get safely off a mountain. There is a another good reason why you should not mess with them!
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Re: Four years of searching and Eventually paid off [B. atropos]

Postby garth » Sat Oct 24, 2009 9:26 pm

Nice find Adriaan! I love bergies and have seen very few in my travels. Mostly Southern Cape specimens, and most were unfortunately in vivs awaiting illegal export to Europe. This guy (exporter) is now deceased.(karma). They certainly are fiesty little fekkers. I once caught one off a road with a loaf of bread and a djembe drum, and it was a sukkel!! That same night we found a further 3 DOR!
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Re: Four years of searching and Eventually paid off [B. atropos]

Postby Durban Keeper » Wed Nov 18, 2009 8:56 am

Cool Pics Sam! What a stunning little snake, I remember you telling us about this one. & well done Adriaan!
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Re: Four years of searching and Eventually paid off [B. atropos]

Postby Groenslang » Fri Nov 20, 2009 6:34 pm

Beautiful snake! Had the same experience as Scavenger a few years back in the Berg. Same method of, errr... spotting the snake??? Was one of the m really scary moments but got a few good fotos, but with Murphy haunting me, my hard drive got fried a couple of months though! Truly a beautiful snake, just TINY!
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