DIFFERENT TYPES REPTILES IN UGANDA
OVERVIEW
Uganda boasts numerous attractions, including rare wildlife species like reptiles, which visitors can visit at the reptile village in the country. Major national parks such as Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, and Kidepo Valley are known habitats for reptiles. Additionally, areas like the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, Zika Forest, and Entebbe Botanical Gardens are good places to spot them. Observe your surroundings and take precautions, especially when encountering snakes, by wearing appropriate footwear and long trousers.
Most reptiles; snakes in particular are very shy to attack and only do so when provoked just like humans, reptiles are calm too and only become wild, uncontrollable, and harmful when in tension. In most cases, snakes, crocodiles, and lizards tend to run away after hearing a shout. However, when followed, eventually causing harm to the person provoking it.
There is more to learn about these reptiles in Uganda, you can easily book a trip Beyond Travel to explore all reptile species comfortably. Uganda is the home to most of the world’s celebrated and embraced reptiles such as;
Nile Crocodiles
Crocodiles are mostly seen and found in the Kazinga channel, a natural channel that connects Lake Edward and Lake George in Queen Elizabeth National Park, is a popular destination for wildlife viewing, particularly for its boat cruises. During these cruises, visitors often spot crocodiles, the channel renowned for its large hippo population and other animals like elephants, buffaloes and antelopes.
In the past, crocodiles were less common in the channel, having migrated due to volcanic activity before returning via the semliki River. The Kazinga channel is a dynamic ecosystem where various species coexist, making it a fascinating place for wildlife enthusiasts. These crocodiles are called Nile crocodiles because they feed on fish.
The Eastern Green Mamba (Dendroaspis angusticeps)
The Eastern Green Mamba is highly venomous snake found in Uganda, specifically in coastal and thick montane forests, plantations, and mango trees. While primarily arboreal, they may also inhabit bamboo thickets and coastal shrub land. Their diet includes birds, bird eggs, and small mammals.
Boomslang snake
The boomslang snake which is scientifically as Dispholidus typus, is found in Uganda. It is a venomous snake, but it is generally shy and reluctant to bite unless provoked or cornered. Boomslangs are typically found in trees and shrubs and known for their speed and agility.
Boomslang primarily eat chameleons, but they also consume birds and their eggs, frogs, and lizards.
The African Rock Python
The African rock python is Uganda’s largest snake, known locally as Timba. It’s a non-venomous constrictor found in various habitats, particularly near water sources like Nile River, Lake Victoria, and associated wetlands. These pythons are brown with lighter markings and a creamy white belly. They feed on a variety of prey, from birds and bats to medium-sized mammals, and even larger animals like warthogs, bushbucks, and crocodiles, which they swallow whole.
Black Mambas
Black mambas are found in Uganda, although they are considered relatively rare. They are known for their speed and agility, often using this to escape rather than attack. While they are shy and secretive, they will strike if they feel threatened. These types of snakes are typically found in scrubland, bushes, and small trees.
The name” black mamba” comes from the black coloration inside their mouths, not the color of the skin. They are typically Olive, grey-brown, or metallic in color. Their venom is highly toxic, and their bite can be fatal if not treated promptly. Black mamba can grow to an average length of 2.5 meters (8.2 ft), with a maximum length of 4.5meters (14ft). They are the fastest land snakes in the world.
Gaboon vipers
Gaboon vipers are known for their impressive size and potent venom, are indeed found in Uganda’s rainforests and savannahs that’s where they inhabit. Gaboon vipers possess the longest fangs and the highest venom can cause severe tissue damage and other complications.
They are generally docile and ambush predators, preferring to lie in wait for their prey rather than actively hunting.
Tortoise
Uganda is known for having some of the world’ oldest tortoises, specifically at Kisingiri House in Mengo, Kampala, this place is a home to two of the world’s oldest tortoises, estimated to be over 300 years old. These tortoises were originally a gift from Seychelles to Stanley Kisingiri Kitaka, a figure in the Buganda kingdom.
Nile Monitor Lizard
Uganda is a home to a variety of lizard species such as savannah monitor lizard, Nile monitor lizard, chameleons, Agama Lizards and House Geckos. The Nile Monitor Lizard is one of the most commonly encountered. These large reptiles, also known as water monitors, can be found near rivers and lakes, including in Murchison Fall National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park. The other reptile species are also present in Uganda’s diverse ecosystems.
Nile Monitor lizards are frequently found near the Nile River and other lakes and channels.
Green tree snakes
In Uganda there are several species of green snakes, both venomous and non-venomous. The most commonly mentioned is the Gunther’s green tree snakes (Dispsadoboa unicolor), a non-venomous species found in varies parts of Uganda. These snakes are found in various habitats, including forests and savannas. Wikipedia state that is found in Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and other parts of Central and West Africa.
The boomslang, the large-eyed Green Tree Snake (Rhamnophis aethiopissa) and the Hughes Green Tree Snake (Philothamnus hughesi) these green tree snakes are venomous. Other green tree snakes in Uganda, like the Green Mamba, which is highly venomous and found in coastal regions of East Africa, and other Philothamnus species which are also green found in trees.
Mole Snakes (Pseudaspis cana)
Mole snakes are found in Uganda, primarily in savannah parks such as in Murchison Falls National Park and other national parks with grasslands, where they prey on moles and rodent. They are non-venomous but can inflict a powerful bite. These snakes grown up to 2 meters in length.
The Puff Adder (Bitis arietans)
The puff adders have a heavy build with a black and brown skin pattern, sometimes with gold. Puff adders can grow up to 2 meters in length. They have chevron markings down their body, which become bars towards the tail.
Puff adders are commonly found in savannah parks, grasslands, and rocky areas, they possess a potent cytotoxic venom that can cause severe pain, swelling, blistering, and tissue damage
Puff adders are ambush predators that rely on camouflage and are known to puff themselves up and hiss when disturbed. They are strike with a great speed, both to the side and the front.
In conclusion, Uganda will provide a great time viewing the most reptiles through boat cruising and other great activities such as forest walk, nature walks with a very comfortable relaxing place after the activities. For the best experience in Uganda feel free to contact us on tours@beyondtravel.africa.