Durban – It’s time to celebrate one of the world’s most misunderstood creatures – and one of the most ecologically significant animals – the snake.
World Snake Day is a global awareness day celebrated annually on 16 July, dedicated to appreciating the diversity, beauty, and ecological importance of snakes.
Whether admired or feared, these remarkable reptiles deserve our respect and protection.
This World Snake Day, Crocworld Conservation Centre has shared some interesting facts about this incredible reptile, while introducing the public to some of its resident snakes.
“An important part of our conservation drive is educating the public about our wildlife, and the care and protection they deserve for the benefit of all,” commented Busani Mthiyane, Animal Curator at Crocworld Conservation Centre.
“Snakes are often the most feared creatures, which makes them more vulnerable, and because they are so central to the health of our ecosystem, understanding and protecting them is vital.
“This World Snake Day, we encourage everyone to come out and learn more about these significant reptiles!”
Fast Facts About Snakes
- Snakes are actually shy and secretive, avoiding humans wherever possible. They will only strike if they feel threatened, which is why it’s best not to interfere with them.
- There are more than 3 000 species of snakes on Earth, but only around 200 species are actually capable of harming humans.
- Most snakes lay eggs, but some species of snakes give birth.
- Snakes have been around for about 100 million years, evolving from prehistoric lizards.
- Snakes play a vital role in maintaining the well-being, sustainability, and biodiversity of various ecosystems.
- Snakes are increasingly threatened by habitat loss, the exotic wildlife trade, and traditional medicine, making it vital that we protect them.
*SOURCES: Peta | Wild Earth | World Animal Protection Africa
Snake Conservation at Crocworld
The Crocworld team runs breeding programmes – a key conservation strategy and instrumental in furthering the genetic diversity of threatened species.
To date, the team has noted several successes across reptile gene pools.
Crocworld Conservation Centre is dedicated to animal rescues, housing many reptiles as they rehabilitate before releasing them back into the wild.
Visitors are given more insight into the resident snakes at Crocworld during daily snake talks and interactions, with school tours hosted for a more expansive educational experience.
Meet the Snakes at Crocworld
The Black Mamba
One of the most feared and fascinating snakes at Crocworld, the black mamba is actually not black as the name suggests, but rather a grey to olive brown colour.
The ‘black’ in the name refers to the inky black interior of the snake’s mouth.
They are shy but will defend themselves aggressively if they are cornered and are known for multiple rapid strikes.
The black mamba prefers savannas, rocky hills, and woodlands across sub-Saharan Africa.
“Our male is about three metres long but they can grow up to 4.5 metres, making this Africa’s longest venomous snake,” explained Busani.
“This is also one of the fastest snakes on land, reaching speeds of up to 19 km/hour.
“The black mamba also has an extremely potent neurotoxin – just two drops can be fatal without anti-venom.”
Southern African Rock Python
Forming part of Crocworld’s breeding programme is the Southern African rock python, which is listed as “vulnerable” in the South African Red Data Book, meaning it is illegal to capture or kill this snake species.
Crocworld has successfully bred six of these pythons, of which three juveniles were released back into the wild in Zululand’s Babanango Game Reserve, in collaboration with the NPO FreeMe Wildlife.
“Southern African rock pythons are incredibly valuable in controlling the numbers of dassies and cane rats, especially in KwaZulu-Natal sugarcane fields,” explained Busani.
“This is a great benefit to farmers and the ecological system as a whole.”
Other interesting snake species at Crocworld include:
- The puff adder
- The Burmese python
- Green mambas
- Yellow anacondas
- Forest cobras
- Snouted cobras
Visit Crocworld Conservation Centre!
Visitors are welcome to meet some of these unique animals at the centre in a close-up, safe environment with daily talks and feedings.
Crocworld is also home to Jikaleza Outdoor Adventures, the only aerial ziplining course in the region, as well as the award-winning Fish Eagle Café, which boasts ocean views as spectacular as its meals.
Crocworld is a member of the international Species360 programme, which facilitates information collection from 1 200 aquariums, zoos, universities, research and governmental facilities worldwide across 99 countries on six continents.
Members like Crocworld curate the Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS), the world’s most comprehensive database of knowledge on more than 22 000 species, for the global fight against extinction.
To find out more, visit www.crocworld.co.za | check out Crocworld Conservation Centre on Facebook | call 039 976 1103. Contact Fish Eagle Café on 083 658 7073 | mvanzyl@cbl.co.za.
