Zambian Whip Snake
- Psammophis zambiensis
- IUCN Status: Near Threatened
- Threat: harmless
- Venom/Toxin: none
- Trend: decreasing
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Reptilia
- Order: Squamata
- Family: Psammophiidae
- Genus: Psammophis
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General Information
The Zambian Whip snake is a near endemic species found in Zambia and the DRC. It’s habitat has been greatly disturbed due to heavy copper mining and because of this, little information has been recorded about this snake.
Fun Facts
While it may look intimidating with its long, slender body, it poses no threat to humans. It’s primarily a constrictor, using its muscular body to coil around and subdue its prey.
Ecology & Behaviour
The Zambian Whip snake is a terrestrial snake that lives mostly on land but it prefers to be near water. The habitat of this species appears to be moist Miombo woodland and dambos (shallow wetlands). It can be encountered in disturbed habitats, and dry shrubland.
Conservation
It is categorized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as, ” Near Threatened “.
Distribtion & Habitat
The Zambian Whip snake has been recorded from the Northern and North-Western Provinces of Zambia and adjacent Katanga Province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Species were found up to 1,800 m above sea level. There is extensive copper mining operations within the distribution of this snake, and this is generally thought to be impacting the population of this snake.
Interaction With Humans
It is declining locally in areas of copper and other mining activities both in Zambia and The Democratic Republic of Congo.
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