Iguana, June 2008


The Kingdom of Swaziland is a small southern African country with an extremely rich reptilian biodi-
versity. A new revolution in herpetology has begun in Swaziland with the opening of a new reptile park

to serve as the home base for new and exciting work. Genetic work on many species is already under way
and a new telemetry study on Black Mambas (Dendroaspis polylepis) is slated to begin in the near future.

Many residents of Swaziland, who previously knew very little about their indigenous herpetofauna,
have developed a newfound respect for local snakes. One new initiative is to educate people in identifica-
tion and, in some circumstances, even handling of venomous snakes. Some individuals around the coun-
try have been trained to handle calls and efficiently manage residential reptile removals. Snakes are killed
less frequently than they were in the near past. Locals are even collecting dead snakes found on roads and
bringing them in for their scientific value.

This movement started just two years ago when a local woman developed a strong interest in snakes.
With the help of her husband, Clifford Koen, Thea Litschka’s new passion grew at an amazing rate. In
response, residents are now identifying the snakes they once feared, differentiating between those that are
harmless and those that are potentially dangerous. Although most still stay clear of reptiles, they will call
an expert instead of just killing a snake. One result is that many lives are saved, as many human bites
occurred when snakes were confronted.

This new initiative recently opened its doors to international internships. A select few individuals
with some experience will have an opportunity to experience the many African species in Swaziland.
Interns will work with the captive collection in the reptile park, assisting with breeding efforts and stud-
ies of indigenous species. They also will conduct extensive field research and provide educational outreach
to local communities.

The country is alive with reptiles! Range extensions and new species records for the country are
reported with some regularity, and ongoing genetic work may reveal new discoveries leading to taxonomic
changes. The geographic diversity of the nation has isolated many populations, and Swaziland still har-
bors many locations that have yet to be explored.

For further information please contact Donald Schultz at don@mfezi.com.

F O C U S  O N  C O N S E R V A T I O N

New Respect for 
the Snakes of Swaziland

Devon Massyn

Thea Litschka shows rangers at a Swazi game reserve a
Black Mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis) just before release.
Now, instead of killing them, many mambas found in
residential areas are captured and relocated into pro-
tected areas.

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Philani and Linda, seen here with a Black Mamba, have
been working with snakes for about two years and now
regularly conduct venomous snake captures and reloca-
tions. Blood is taken from snakes prior to release to sup-
port genetic research. 

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