If you are unsure of the identification of a snake you have observed, you can ask an expert for snake identification by uploading a photo to the Snakes of Namibia facebook page.

You can also get help from their amazing album of infographics of the common snake species in Namibia.

The facebook page also has contact details for snake catchers - people who are experienced in catching and removing snakes - throughout the country.

In the case of a snake bite, email "snakebite" to [email protected]. Namibia's snakebite expert - Dr Buys - will respond immediately.

Anchieta's Dwarf Python

Python anchietae

Anchieta's Dwarf Python is endemic to Namibia and South-Western Angola. In Namibia Anchieta's Dwarf Python is fully protected by law as these docile pythons are often poached for the pet trade.

This snake is mainly active at night when it forages for food. They mainly occur in riverine bush and rugged rocky terrain and prefer rocky outcrops where they hunt for small rodents. When threatened they roll up into a defensive ball.

Diet: rodents and birds

Size: 1.2 - 1.8 m, they rarely exceed 1.5 m.

Colour: redish brown with creamy white - yellow blotches.

Danger to man: none.