Green mamba gives a festive surprise

Having just returned from years spent sailing the high seas, the Swarts were treated to a real South African welcome when they noticed a green mamba basking comfortably on the hedge near their Clansthal home on the KZN South Coast. Crocworld Conservation Centre’s Acting Centre Manager, James Wittstock, was contacted at 10am on Wednesday to attend to the serpentine guest.

“I used my grabstick and managed to safely capture the mamba before putting her into a tub,” said Wittstock. “She appears to be gravid [pregnant] so we will keep her until she lays eggs, then we will release her and her babies to a safe location.” A DNA sample from the mamba will be taken to contribute to an ongoing study on black and green mamba genetics. Debby Swart extended her utmost gratitude to Wittstock and the team from Crocworld for rescuing and re-homing the snake.

For more information about local KZN South Coast snake species, visit www.crocworld.co.za or the ‘Crocworld Conservation Centre’ Facebook page. Crocworld Conservation Centre offers a free service of identifying and removing snakes for the communities of Scottburgh, Umkomaas, Pennington and Park Rynie. For more information or assistance contact Crocworld Conservation Centre on 039 976 1103 or James Wittstock on 066 292 0880.