What’s that Reptile?
by Johan Marais
(Random House/Struik, R170)
I met Johan Marais at a snake park near Hoedspruit last Easter. He was entwined between various serpents as he gave the park visitors an informative lecture about all that “slithers” around our countryside.
What’s That Reptile? is his latest book, which is “A Starter’s Guide to Reptiles of Southern Africa”. I was pleased to see the diversity of colour photographs, which also show colour variations on the same species that could occur in different areas of southern Africa.
Comparisons are made of different species, which appear to be the same – but are not. For instance, the layman may think he has a harmless bush snake in his hands, whereas it could be a potentially deadly boomslang.
This book covers the full range of our reptiles, which makes it handy when looking at a gecko on your wall, or a small lizard basking in the sun on your patio.
We should always respect reptiles rather than shun them. They form an integral part of our ecosystem and are prey as well as predators in the food chain. Most people are afraid of snakes. However, they are excellent rodent controllers. They do us far more good than harm. In fact, in our ignorance we kill snakes that cannot harm us.
Only 25 percent of South African species could harm us to some extent – and only if cornered or stomped on will they retaliate. So in essence deaths are rare.
Lizards munch through tons of insects such as flies, ants and termites. Many garden-dwelling lizards are poisoned by chemicals meant for pests and other insects. So please be aware when spraying for garden pests.
Marais’s book is well set out for easy reference and has many interesting facts and anecdotes.
There is a comprehensive section on tortoises, terrapins and turtles. Many of our tortoises are picked up or bought from illegal roadside vendors and end up in someone’s garden eating lettuce leaves. It is illegal to possess a tortoise without a valid permit and these animals cannot survive on supermarket vegetables alone.
For a quick identification of a lizard or snake, I would grab Marais’s latest book first. – Ed Lemke