SCAN - Snake Conservation Association of Namibia

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SCAN - Snake Conservation Association of Namibia

A voluntary organization formed in February 2016, founded by enthusiasts with an interest and experience in conservation of Snake species in Namibia.

Our mission is to promote reptile research and conservation in Namibia focused on snakes. Snake Conservation Association of Namibia (SCAN) is a voluntary organization formed in February 2016, founded by enthusiasts with an interest and experience in conservation of Snake species in Namibia. Our mission is to develop reptile research and conservation in Namibia by raising awareness, collecting data and mitigating human-snake conflict.

24/09/2026

Telescopus semiannulatus semiannulatus- Eastern Tiger Snake from Tsumkwe Namibia.

Mildly Venomous

21/09/2026

Naja nigricincta woodi-Black Spitting Cobra from near Keetmanshoop.

HIghly venomous!

28/08/2026

Hemirhagerris viperinus-Viperine Rock Snake from Kamanjab, Namibia.

This snake inhabits deep rock crevices where it hunts for for lizards.

Although they are mildly venomous, the venom of this snake has virtually no effect on humans.

26/08/2026

Not all snakes have fangs positioned at the front of the mouth. Several species—such as the boomslang (Dispholidus typus), twig snakes (Thelotornis spp.), sand snakes (Psammophis spp.), and tiger snakes (Telescopus spp.)—possess rear fangs (opisthoglyphous dentition).

In these species, the enlarged fangs are situated at the posterior end of the maxilla, directly beneath the eye. A common misconception is that rear-fanged snakes cannot bite effectively; however, they can open their jaws up to 170 degrees, allowing them to engage their rear fangs and deliver potent envenomations.

The venom apparatus of rear-fanged snakes differs morphologically and biomechanically from the high-pressure systems of front-fanged snakes (Adders, mambas and cobras)

Rather than a high-pressure, lumen-rich venom gland surrounded by striated compressor muscles, rear-fanged snakes possess the Duvernoy’s gland situated in the temporal region behind the eye. The gland is encapsulated in connective tissue and lacks dedicated skeletal muscle compressors. As a result, venom is not forcefully injected under high hydrostatic pressure. Instead, it is expressed under lower pressure through a short duct that empties adjacent to the mucosal sheath surrounding the base of the rear maxillary teeth.

Venom enters the puncture wound via capillary action along the sulcus, aided by mandibular movement, localized tissue compression, and repeated "chewing" motions (maxillary walking) that maximize fluid transfer into the prey. However, high-speed biomechanical analyses demonstrate that snakes like twig snakes and Boomslang can still introduce venom rapidly upon initial pe*******on.

In southern Africa, only two rear-fanged groups are considered of high medical importance, the boomslang (Dispolidus typus) and twig snakes (Thelotornis spp.). Species such as tiger snakes( Telescopus spp.), sand snakes (Psammophis spp.), and herald snakes (Crotaphopeltis spp.) pose no significant medical risk to humans or domestic pets, as their mild venoms typically cause little to no clinical effect.

Pictured below: Rear Fang of a Eastern Tiger Snake (Telescopus semiannulatus). Mildly venomous.

23/08/2026

Prosymna frontalis-South Western Shovel Snout from near Keetmanshoop, Namibia.

This is a small shy nocturnal snake that is reluctant to bite. The name is derived from the sharp pointed scale on the tip of the nose, which it uses to push through loose soil in search of its prey. The diet consists exclusively of hard-shelled gecko eggs, the eggs are swallowed whole and digested.The egg shells are not regurgitated like that of the egg eating snakes.

These snakes inhabit the rocky outcrops of the nama karoo and is often encountered on warm summer evenings after heavy rainfall. When threatened these snakes will coil in a tight sping , often moving in short jerky movements as they rapidly coil and uncoil themselves.

They are none venomous.

20/08/2026

Meet the World's smallest venomous snake! The namaqua Dwarf Adder (Bitis schneiderian).

These snakes inhabit the coastal dune belt of South Western Namibia. They are mainly active at dusk and dawn. They are often founding sheltering under small shrubs where they shuffle into the sand leaving only the eyes and the tip of their tails exposed. This enables the snake to escape the heat of the sun, but also serves as a hunting strategy. The tip of the tail is wiggled to attract an unsuspecting lizard. Once the lizard is close enough the snake will strike out and imobolize its prey.

Adult Namaqua Dwarf Adders average a length of 20cm but may obtain a maximum length of 28cm.

The venom of this snake is mainly cytotoxic, causing pain, swelling and discolouration around the bite site. The venom is not as potent as other members of the genus. Symptoms are short lived with no long term effects. Anti-venom is not required and bites are treated symptomatically

15/08/2026

Bites xeropaga-Desert Mountain adder from near Karasburg, Namibia.

This adder inhabits the rocky slopes of Southern Namibia and NOrth western South Africa. It mainly feeds on small rodents, lizards and birds. They are mainly active at dawn and dusk.

These snakes have both a neurotoxic and cytotoxic venom, causing severe pain and swelling, necrosis may occur in severe bites. Nausea, vomiting, ptosis and the inhability to focus have also been recorded.

That being said bites from this snake are incredibly uncommon due to its isolated habitat. Unfortunately many desert mountain Adders are collected for the illegal pet trade and the ever present threat of mining remain a serious threat to the species

Address

Windhoek

Telephone

+264812900343

Website

http://snakesofnamibia.org/

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