Uganda’s Most Interesting Snakes

Snakes have been greatly stereotyped by the communities in which they sometimes stray, but it is important to know that man is not on their menu and therefore appreciate their contribution to the society which includes but not limited to tourism, rodent reduction among others.

Uganda hosts 4 of 6 world’s deadliest species.

Uganda’s warm tropical climate makes her a perfect habitat for reptiles.

The all year downpours, a wide network of fresh water swamps, rivers and lakes, coupled with thick forest and grasslands make this pearl an ideal environment for snakes in particular.

Uganda is home to over 171 species of the latter.

Do not fret however, because only a small percentage of these are venomous.

In this episode, we detail some of the common species you will likely encounter on a normal trip through the land.

**Amazing Facts About Snakes:**

1. Snakes can’t breath and swim at the same time because they have no diaphram.
2. Only venomous snakes have fangs and the rest have teeth.

Fangs have a straw-like passage through which venom is injected into an enemy.

3. Although venomous snakes are greatly feared by man, they mainly use their venom to weaken their prey and not to bite.

This means that since man is not on their menu, they do not really intend/plan on using their venom on us and so sometimes they strike humans without injecting any venom.

**African Rock Python (*Python Sebae)* Local name: Ttimba:**

It is Africa’s largest snake with length over 5 meters from head tip to tail tip with a gold and black mottled kind of skin.

It is non-venomous and kills its prey by strangulation and constriction with their bodies around them before they swallow it whole.

The python has a unique endo skeleton in which the upper jaw is not attached to the lower jaw allowing it to open them incredibly wide when preying. They also have no breast bone allowing them to swallow food much larger than their body size.

The females lay up to 100 eggs and incubation period is between 2-3 months with hatchlings ranging between 50-60 cm in length.

It can be seen at close range at the Reptile Village in Entebbe.

**The African puff adder  (*Bitis arientans*.)** Local name: Ssalambwa

The African puff adder belongs to the family of vipers. They tend to inhabit short “thickety” vegetation and are known to like tea plantations. Length ranges from 1-1.2meters and can be recognised by its stumpy robust build and large triangular head. The reptile is coloured in light yellow gold and black

They have two enlarged hinged venom fangs in the front of the upper jaws which they use to strike enemies several times. The venom of the puff adder is guaranteed to kill an animal and even with treatment, a person is almost guaranteed to die in the next 6 months. Locals who encounter these from time to time say that when they find it in the plantation, they avoid the specific where it is seen and come back the next day because they do no attack unless they feel threatened.

Vipers in general are very docile reptiles and these are called puff adders because when threatened they inflate their bodies and puff loudly which is interpreted as a warning to approaching animals or enemies.

Females produce a pheromone to attract males. These give birth to live new born and are always in high numbers. New borns are between 12cm -18cm in length.

Not only are they good swimmers but as well good climbers. Common prey for them is: birds, lizards, mammals and amphibians.

Puff adders are venomous and its wounds show twin cuts and very painful.

Swellings develops within 10- 30 minutes after its bites which leads to paralysis

**Cobra** Local name: Enswera

There are many species of the cobra including but not limited to Forest Cobra (*Naja melanoleuca*) and Black necked spitting cobra (*Naja nigricollis*). They inhabit savanna and semi-arid regions of the country. They can be nocturnal and diurnal depending on the time of the year. These highly venomous snakes are famous for their ability to lift their upper body to spot food but most importantly to intimidate their enemies. The black necked spitting cobra has the ability to accurately project venom in a person’s eye at a distance of 3 metres which can lead to partial or total blindness, extreme burning and lack of coordination. The black forest, also known as the black cobra grow up to 3.5m. They rarely bite but its bite should be taken seriously as it has the 4th most deadly venom. Cobras tend to eat small rodents and sometimes even small insect and they are sometimes preyed on by predators like the African snake eagle. The cobra is no doubt one of Uganda’s most interesting crawler and can be closely viewed at Uganda Reptile Village.

**Gaboon viper. (Bitis gabonica)** Local name: Ssalambwa