One of the many perks of living in the bush is that every new day holds the promise of seeing something truly unique. While in Mozambique’s Zinave National Park, helicopter pilot Malcolm Moulang witnesses an incredible sighting of an eastern Natal green snake preying on an unassuming frog. These tree-climbing snakes are non-venomous to humans, which allows Malcolm to capture this all on film safely. Just another day in the African bush!
The Importance Of Snakes
Although often feared by many, these scaley reptiles are an intricate part of our fragile ecosystem and a world without them would be unimaginable. One of the most important roles a snake has in nature is maintaining balance and keeping species such as frogs and rodents in check. These cold-blooded creatures are also both predator and prey, with many raptors, mongoose and other snakes being dependent on them for their survival.
Surprisingly, snakes also play a vital role in the medical world, with their venom being synthesised in many life-saving drugs. These include the treatment of heart attacks, degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and strokes, to name a few.
To learn more about the vital role that snakes play in both nature and medicine, make sure to watch this video.
The Eastern Natal Green Snake
With its shy demeanour and avoidance of any urban areas, the eastern Natal green snake is always a special sight. This harmless snake is endemic to southern Africa and can be found along a narrow strip along the Kwa-Zulu Natal coastline and northwards into Mozambique. As it is arboreal – a tree-dwelling species – it can often be missed blending in so well amongst the dense coastal forests it usually inhabits.
To highlight the importance of snake awareness, especially amid the warm summer season when snakes are most active, make sure to watch this video.
Although seeing battles like this can be sensitive to watch, we must remember that this is the circle of life and the way that nature – when uninterrupted and allowed to thrive – works.
