Partnerships in Conservation and Research The Chobe Snake Park was developed to provide for the conservation needs of Botswana's unique reptiles. Lack of information on the status, trends and distribution of reptiles species in Botswana is a serious constraint to effective reptile conservation biodiversity planning. Park staff work closely with the Department of Wildlife and National Parks and the Centre for Conservation of African Resources: Animals, Communities and Land Use (CARACAL) to try and improve our knowledge of reptiles, threats and conservation needs. See side bar (left ) for topics.
Endemic Species and Reptiles Presently there are only two known endemic vertebrate species found in Botswana both are reptiles: the Makgadikgadi Spiny Agama (red) and the Tsodillo thick toed gecko (blue). Distribution is expanded to the Controlled Hunting Area boundaries. The near endemic species: the Kavango Pigmy Toad is considered a near endemic. The status of these species are unknown. Efforts are being made my Park staff together with CARACAL to define the distribution range and status of these species.
Botswana's Biodiversity Strategy Action Plan and Reptiles The Convention on Biological Diversity requires signatories to develop a Biodiversity Strategy Action Plan for the conservation and management of biodiversity (BSAP). Botswana ratified the convention and is in the process of finalizing the Botswana BSAP. Reptiles featured greatly in Botswana's biodiversity. In fact, reptiles species out number mammals in Southern Africa! Park staff will continue to build on this framework of information on reptile biodiversity.
The Green Snake is a harmless snake with striking green colouration often confused with the dangerous boomslang.
"There are more endemic reptiles in Southern African than any other vertebrates and new species are discovered regularly, one every 44 days from 1988-1998!"
Field Guide To Snakes and Other Reptiles, B. Branch
Research Focus Reptile Problem Animal Incidence
Reptile Classification and Identification of new species useing genetic techniques with partners
Assessment of Botswana's reptile species distribution and status with identification of threats to population viability
CARACAL conducted the first reptile biodiversity assessment in Botswana. Greatest (red) reptile diversity is found in the Northern part of the country.
The Purple gloss snake is seldom seen as it lives under ground and is active only at night. It is an aggressive snake with semi poisonous venom.
