Savanna Vine Snake

The savanna vine snake (Thelotornis capensis), also known as southern vine snake and southern twig snake, is found across much of southern Africa, except for the drier regions. It is a slender snake with a narrow head, a pointed snout, and a notably long tail. Adult specimens can reach a total length of 168 cm (66 inches), with males being the larger sex. This snake is characterized by its horizontal pupils, shaped like keyholes, and a strikingly bright red tongue. It exhibits a variety of colors, commonly grey or brown, which aids in its stealth in the woodland environment. This coloration, along with its narrow body, makes it resemble a vine or twig, a perfect adaptation for its habitat.

The savanna vine snake thrives in both forest and savanna environments. It is adept at blending into tree branches, bushes, and shrubs, which aids in its hunting strategy. This snake feeds primarily on tree frogs, lizards, and occasionally birds. One of its most impressive hunting tactics is hanging from a branch before snatching its prey​​​​.

Known for its excellent camouflage, the savanna vine snake is often hard to spot in its natural habitat. It remains very still in low shrubs, observing the ground for prey such as lizards and smaller snakes. Birds often mob this snake, and in response, it inflates its neck and flickers its bright orange tongue. This inflation of the neck is a defensive mechanism, likely used to appear larger and more intimidating to potential predators or threats. This behavior, combined with its bright orange tongue flickering, could also be a tactic to startle or confuse predators, giving the snake a chance to escape. Despite its placid nature, when provoked, the savanna vine snake can become defensive and strike viciously​​.

The savanna vine snake is highly venomous. It’s venom is haemotoxic, meaning it affects the blood’s ability to clot, leading to uncontrolled bleeding in victims. There is no antivenom for its bite, making bites from this species particularly dangerous. Fatalities are rare, however, and bites only really occurs when one tries to handle the snake. Although the venom is possibly deadly for humans, the fangs of this species are located at the back of the mouth, making it less likely to deliver a fully effective bite.

The breeding season of the savanna vine snake occurs during the summer months. During this period, female snakes lay between 4 to 18 small, elongated eggs. They can lay two clutches of eggs per season, which hatch after an incubation period of 60 to 90 days, typically around March. Upon hatching, the young vine snakes measure between 230 to 331 mm in total length and weigh about 3 to 4 grams. The species is known to live somewhere between 8-12 years. 

The savanna vine snake has a wide distribution in southern Africa, and the population is deemed stable. There are no threats do the species and it is listed as least concern on the IUCN Red List.