SA’s snakes
THESE slithery animals are reptiles, just like crocodiles and lizards. Reptiles don’t have fur like mammals or feathers like birds; they have dry skin covered with scales. Reptiles are vertebrates, which means they have a spinal column.
There are about 12 000 reptile species in the world classified in four orders: Crocodilia (crocodiles), Testudines (tortoises), Rhynchocephalia (lizard-like reptiles, the only living species being New Zealand’s tuatara) and Squamata (snakes and lizards). Worldwide there are nearly 4 000 snake species, and more than 170 species in Southern Africa. Let’s find out more.
WHAT IS A SNAKE?
A snake is a reptile with a . Some lizards, which they grab and swallow whole without chewing. Snakes have : some such as the boa and squeeze them until they stop breathing. Others such as vipers into their prey using two curved teeth called fangs.
