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.

Péringuey's Adder

Bitis peringueyi

Péringuey's Adder is usually nocturnal (active at night). Most of the daylight hours are spent buried in the sand with only the eyes and upper part of the head above the surface. The purpose of this behaviour is to protect itself from the extreme temperature and to await a possible meal in the form of a wandering-by desert lizard. The eyes are situated on top of the head.

It is endemic to the sand seas of the Namib Desert, except possibly Henties Bay.

They are venomous, however bites rarely result in life or limb threatening symptoms.