Snakes > Beetz's Tiger Snake

Beetz's Tiger Snake / Beetz se Tierslang

Telescopus beetzii

Size Adults reach a maximum length of 60 cm (average 45 cm).

Description This snake is easily identified as it is distinctively marked with roundish black blotches on a yellow-beige background. The eyes are very large and the head is flattened and has a single small dark spot in the middle.

Biology Beetz's Tiger Snakes prefer arid areas with rocky substrates. It is very secretive and is well hidden in rock cracks. It is nocturnal and eats a variety of lizards. Due to these habits, this snake is seldom seen except whilst crossing roads and many distribution records are of road kill victims.

Distribution This snake has a wide distribution in the Succulent Karoo and extends into Namibia but not into the Namib Desert .

Distribution in GCBC So far there is only one record of this species in the GCBC and this valuable distribution record was collected by an observant member of the public with a digital camera. It is expected to occur in the drier northern and western parts of the GCBC. Beetz's Tiger Snake is a species in which public records will be very valuable in furthering our knowledge of the distribution of this snake.

Conservation Status Beetz's Tiger Snake is not listed on any Red Data species list.

Threats This species is sought after by reptile collectors but nothing is known of the effects of such collecting.

Current studies None.