Summer time is when the reptiles of Londolozi are out and about. Their poikilothermic lifestyles mean they are dependant on ambient temperatures to regulate their body heat, and the warm summer sun (it’s been upwards of 40 degrees Celcius on a number of occasions over the last few weeks) means that they are at liberty to be venturing out looking for food.
Most of them remain well hidden, and a quick flurry of movement as a Sand Lizard scuttles for cover or the tell-tale tracks of a snake crossing the road are usually the only signs we have unless we actively go on the search, but occasionally a fascinating sighting unfolds before our very eyes.
Recently in the staff village, there was a lucky discovery of a western stripe-bellied sand snake devouring a not-so-lucky tree agama.
The first sets of pictures of the snake show its throat just beginning to bulge as it engulfs the agama’s large head.
The sand snake is one of the fastest moving that we find at Londolozi, and although completely harmless to man, its clearly not harmless to a member of the lizard family that doesn’t get out of the way in time.
The snake had already caught the agama when it was found, and had it by the head, as head-first would be the easiest (that term is used loosely) way to devour it.
Snakes obviously don’t have hands to manipulate food, and large prey items have to be ‘walked’ down the snake’s throat by repeated jaw movements.
Ranger Sean Zeederberg checks his settings for the shot. A tripod is an essential tool in Macro photography.
One can see how stretchy the skin around the snake’s throat is, as it stretches wide to accommodate the agama’s shoulders.
With the head and front legs of the Agama fully engulfed, the job starts to become a little easier for the Sand snake.
This photograph was taken a good 30 minutes after the first one in the post.
So big was the agama as a food item, many of us were doubtful that the snake was even going to be able to swallow it. A similar sighting in which a tiger snake caught a tree agama ended in the tiger snake dropping it after close to 6 hours; the agama was simply too large to fit down the snake’s throat.
In this case, persistence paid, and the sand snake eventually fitted the entire agama down its gullet. A meal like that will last a snake a long time, and chances are pretty high that the local agama population won’t have to worry about this particular snake or a few weeks to come…
Wow! Amazing experience.
How long did it take?
Whoa, those were unbelievable photos. I couldn’t believe that little snake managed to swallow the agama. So fascinating and thanks for highlighting something different.
Hello James,
It is very intresting with snakes I’m not afraid of snakes but I have the greates respect especially when I’m in Africa. We play golf in many various countries and they are often out their in the bushes,
if you have done a bad shot then you might meet one of them, that’s is way it is prefereble to be a good golfer and stay on the fairway! ? We have played Leopard Creek some times, that is not so far from Londolozi, I think it must be one of the most spectacular golf courses in the world, to play there is extremely exciting, they have no bounderies against Kruger National Park, you can meet not just lovely south africans but also a more hungry sort! There you can find a lot of dangerus snakes but fortunately they are not so interested in golf! ? The only snake that we came across, that was out and about, at Londolozi when we were there was a Mozambique Spitting Cobra. Only my husband saw it, I sat unfortunatly on the other side in the jeep.
One of the snakes that I don’t want to meet is Black Mamba, they have a reputation to be aggressive and vindicate their territory (it sounds like humans ?). What are your impression of Black Mambas? Once I visit a Snake and crocodile center in South Africa they said that they have different caracters, some strike directly and some was more ”kind”. My second question is what should one do if you should meet a very dangerous snake? For me as a bushlover and golfer could be of greatest value to know!
Thank you for taking up an interesting subject! It is an reality for all bush lovers whether we like it or not.
Hi Ann,
Hmmm, mambas… an interesting one.
Most snakes (including mambas) will thankfully retreat first if you approach them, so if you see one it’s best to simply give them space. Seemingly unprovoked attacks are only ever likely if a snake is defending a nest or is startled and cornered. Although mambas are dangerous we (thankfully) usually only see them as a brief flash across the road as they quickly slither to safety. I think they’re amazing snakes but will try give them a wide berth if I can.
Best regards,
James
Wow! Since we have only visited in the winter, we have not encountered many reptiles. Found this very fascinating and need to learn more about the digestion process. Thank you!
James. A question regarding tree agamas. While digging in my garden this morning I found a tree agama nest with I estimate about 10 eggs. I unfortunately destroyed one. The eggs are still soft. I left it buried and covered it with soil. My question is, will the eggs still hatch as I have disturbed the nest?
Hi Marinda,
As far as I know, yes, they should still be fine.
Please keep us updated if you see little agamas running around!
Best,
JAmes
Thank you James. Will definitely keep you updated.
Stellar images!! Incredible.