Mole snakes

South African snakes commonly known as non-venomous, including the Natal rock python (Python natalensis).

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Mole snakes

Postby Bitis cerevisia » Mon Nov 28, 2011 4:45 pm

Is it just me or are the mole snakes that we are picking up in Cape Town getting bigger and bigger?
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Re: Mole snakes

Postby Rodwraylva » Mon Nov 28, 2011 8:55 pm

Image

Image

Sorry for the posing stance, was just to get a decent impression of the size, this was 25-09-2011 (almost roadkill, still slightly moving when I picked up) And that was the only way I could think of to give decent impression of size, I know I need a handling course.

Taken on the way to Yzerfontein on the West Coast Road

(I estimate it at 1.7m since I am almost 1.8m)
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Re: Mole snakes

Postby Bushviper » Tue Nov 29, 2011 8:17 am

The old records state that they used to be found on Robben Island at over 6 foot long and almost 7 foot. That is over two metres in length. This was also common on the Cape flats apparently. I am sure the large genes are still out there.
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Re: Mole snakes

Postby glasbyb » Tue Nov 29, 2011 9:01 am

Robben Island still has a couple of monsters, 6ft. We pick up the odd one in Cape Town at approx 1,8m.
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Re: Mole snakes

Postby Bitis cerevisia » Tue Nov 29, 2011 1:06 pm

Another 1,8m in Rondebosch east today.
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Re: Mole snakes

Postby glasbyb » Fri Dec 30, 2011 6:36 am

Picked up a 202cm mole snake last night on the South Peninsula. Stunning specimen, I will get a few pictures before releasing it today.
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Re: Mole snakes

Postby Bushviper » Fri Dec 30, 2011 1:53 pm

Nice. I would not want that to tag me.
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Re: Mole snakes

Postby glasbyb » Fri Dec 30, 2011 3:26 pm

Trust me there is a huge amount of respect on my part. He is relatively chilled out and will be on route to release in the next hour or so. I got a few pics but don't quite know what to put him next to in order to show size.
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Re: Mole snakes

Postby Bushviper » Sat Dec 31, 2011 11:48 am

Shoes are the best or just a can of beverage. These are easy to get into a photo no matter where you are, (except maybe Pretoria where they dont wear shoes).
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Re: Mole snakes

Postby glasbyb » Tue Jan 03, 2012 7:13 am

I have already released back into the area where it was found. Measured total length three times, got 202cm,204cm and 206cm. Was a very mellow snake and did not attempt to strike at all.
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Re: Mole snakes

Postby Bushviper » Tue Jan 03, 2012 1:52 pm

It looks a bit on the skinny side for a mole snake. I guess it must be pretty old too.
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Re: Mole snakes

Postby snakes4u » Mon Aug 27, 2012 8:52 pm

Hi, I am new to the forum. I am located in eastern U.S. and have a 5.4 group of adult moles. Trying to find info particularity on breeding. They have been in my care for two years and I believe they have switched over to our seasonal time schedule. I cooled the group in Oct-Nov (our Fall season) and introduced several males to my olive female. I did not witness any breeding, but in Feb. felt embryos. I can still palpate the young. How long is their gestation? Any info on this species would be greatly appreciated, as I cannot find anyone in the U.S. with experience.
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Re: Mole snakes

Postby Jamster » Wed Aug 29, 2012 1:17 pm

Friend of mines got a molesnake just over 2m. He got it from a snake park in the western cape and it is really an impressive snake, almost as thick as my wrist.
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Re: Mole snakes

Postby Rodwraylva » Wed Aug 29, 2012 9:52 pm

For those with Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.10151180014496043&type=1
For those without here are a few photos

Image

Image

Image

Measurements
Length: 165cm
Tail Length: 30cm
circumference on widest part of body: 18.5cm
Scale broken so no weight available :'(
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Re: Mole snakes

Postby Eyelash » Wed Aug 29, 2012 10:34 pm

That's stunning Rodwraylva !

Here's one we had at the Uni...

Also at least 1.7m...(will get an accurate measurement soon.)

Image

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