Today's finds

[du Preez]

Had a pretty good day in terms of seeing snakes today.

Found this little guy Telescopus semiannulatus under our pile of braai wood:



He'd obviously just squashed a big Bibron's gecko Pachydactylus bibronii as you can see there's quite a large lump in there.

Then we came across this puffy Bitis arietans near a pan catching the late afternoon rays:



He was very chilled, and needed some encouragement to move off the road. I've actually seen his spoor in that exact area for the last 3 days, but as soon as he is in the grass/scrub he completely disappears. It's incredible how well camouflaged they are.

We also saw a large spitter Naja mossambica cross the road, but weren't able to get a photo.

Pretty good day!

[SteveZi]

love that telescopus

[du Preez]

Yeah, they're awesome. Always my favourite snake growing up - and now they're probably the most common species where I live! Pretty cool. I found a stunning bright orange juvenile with exaggerated stripes in my car door earlier this year, but unfortunately didn't photograph him. I've never seen one so striking.

[Ruan Stander]

Beautiful snake, that Telescopus- where about are you ?

[Westley Price]

Nice finds.

That puffy is a real stunner.

[Durban Keeper]

I'll come sort your braai wood out any day!
What a pleasure to have such a magnificent species around your home.

[reptile]

Agree with you DK!!!

[du Preez]

Thanks guys. I live in Zimbabwe on a wildlife conservancy in the lowveld. For some strange reason I am lucky enough to be the ecologist here, so I get to actively pursue my hobby alongside my job - which is a pretty good deal in my opinion. Found my first Aspidelaps scutatus (Shield Nose Snake / Shield Cobra) this week, and got to watch a mamba ignore a serious scolding from some squirrels, so all in all a good week. Will post pics when I get back to camp. Cheers.

[Mehelya]

That puffy is really something beautiful! The Tiger just makes me miss mine more, such amazing animals. Kudos to you du Preez, I would love to have any of those hanging around my place naturally, and I think you're job is any herpers dream.

[NicholasSR]

I love tiger snakes. Nice finds and photos!