Snakes of Kenya - the other big five

 
COBRA. Kenya has 4 species, the Black Necked Spitting Cobra, theRed Spitting Cobra, Egyptian and Forest Cobra. Cobras are often found under thick undergrowth, rocks or in piles of dead vegetation- in a variety of habitats. The Egyptian cobra is extremely aggressive when cornered, while Spitting cobras respond to a direct threat by spitting venom- with remarkable accuracy, into the eyes. A large aggressive cobra is a magnificent sight to behold. Their spread hoods and loud threatening hiss are a very effective deterrent to coming any closer.


PYTHON, a non-venomous constricting snake. The African Rock Python is often caught sunning itself on rocks or in vegetation. They feed mostly on rabbits, spring hares and in some cases small antelopes. These snakes can grow to be very large and  9 foot and longer specimens have been sighted. Pythons are often caught in the water, and while the snakes are harmless, a large Python can make a formidable wrestling opponent.



PUFF ADDER, is  undoubtedly one of the most dangerous snakes in Kenya. The problem with these large sluggish vipers is their speed. Lying on warm patches of earth, they are slow to move out of the path of an approaching human, but fast to strike- with a pair of massive fangs that are hinged into the mouth like retractable airplane wheels.

While these venomous snakes are dangerous, and pack a heavy dose of venom, they do play an important role in their eco-systems.

BOOMSLANG, or other back fanged snakes- such as the TWIG SNAKE.  are venomous but present less of a threat due to their fangs being located in the rear of their mouths.

The Boomslang is a tree snake, the males a bright iridescent green and the female a dull brown. Twig Snakes are small, narrow creatures who take their name from their highly effective cammoflage, which makes them virtually indistinguishable from twigs and sticks.Twig Snakes are very fond of bats, so caves are often excellent hunting grounds.

MAMBA. Black and Green Mambas have become the stuff of legends, known worldwide as terrifying and deadly snakes. While it is true that the Mamba carries extremely toxic venom- they are elusive snakes that spend most of their lives hidden in trees in thick bushland, hunting birds. Encountering a Mamba is extremely unusual and rare- and an attack even less likely. They will make every possible attempt to avoid such an encounter.

Mamba's are extremely long (often exceeding 10 feet) and agile tree snakes that can easily double their bodies back on themselves and strike high and fast.

Black Mambas are truly awe inspiring animals, powerful and tense, and not black- but a gun-metal olive. When threatened they raise their bodies high into the air and present a wide open mouth- and reveal just how they got their name- the inside of their mouth is jet black.It has now been proven that these much maligned snakes may have an even greater value to humankind. Research has discovered that their venom could be a vital ingredient in drugs used to regenerate damaged nerves in amputated limbs that have been reattached through micro-surgery.

Most visitors to Kenya want to see the world famous wildlife, living free in its natural habitat. But not many are interested in seeing snakes, or actually make every attempt to see them. Being blinded by fear prevents some people from seeing these rare, beautiful creatures that are no more dangerous than the lions or elephants that they come to see.