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Reptiles

Reptiles here fall into three main groups.

Lizards 

Rooiels is home to small geckos, skinks, and agamas. The most common lizard you’ll see around the village is the Southern Rock Agama, but you might be lucky enough to also spot Cape Dwarf Gecko, Red-sided Skink or Cape Dwarf Chameleon. The Cape Dwarf Chameleon has a “Near Threatened” classification on the IUCN Red List. 

Snakes 

Both venomous and non-venomous snakes inhabit Rooiels. The ones you’re most likely to come across are the Puff Adder and the Boomslang. Other species like the Cross-marked Sand Snake, Egg-eating Snake, Red-lipped Snake and Spotted Rock Snake are less commonly encountered. These snakes are mostly secretive and nocturnal.

Tortoises

The  Angulate Tortoise is often seen trundling around the village. The Leopard Tortoise is seen less often. Both feed on fynbos vegetation and help disperse seeds. They are vulnerable to habitat disturbance and domestic predators, but benefit from intact corridors of natural vegetation.

Reptiles are integral to the ecosystem, controlling insect populations, dispersing seeds, and providing prey for birds and mammals.

🙋 How you can help

  • Don’t get too close or handle them unless absolutely necessary. 

  • Never remove them from the wild. This is illegal.

  • Manage your pets so they can’t harm or kill our reptiles.

  • Never kill them. Either move them outside if you find them in your home, or contact someone to help you on the Wildlife Emergency Contact List.

  • Drive slowly and carefully on village roads. 

  • Avoid disturbing rocks, logs or vegetation that reptiles use for shelter. 

  • Don’t contrbute to light pollution at night.

Latest updates

Check back for updates on this topic.
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Did You Know?

◻️ Puff Adders are highly venomous but rarely bite unless threatened or stepped on.

◻️ Geckos cling to vertical surfaces through millions of microscopic structures on their toes that use molecular attraction.

◻️ If you see an Agama doing “push-ups” they are signalling dominance to rival males and fitness to females. 

◻️ Egg-eating snakes have internal spikes on their spines that crack eggs from the inside. 

◻️ Most reptiles are solitary, but some skinks and geckos form loose groups for warmth or shelter. 

About Reptiles in Rooiels
 

See all the reptile species observed on iNaturalist in the Rooiels area.

Identify snakes with this City of Cape Town Snake Identification Guide.

In Case Of Snakebite

 

People

  • Stay calm and keep the person as still as possible – movement spreads venom more quickly.
  • Call emergency services immediately – in the Overstrand dial 112 (mobile) | 10177 (ambulance) | 076 554 4055 (Rooiels Medics)
  • Keep the bitten limb immobilised and below heart level if possible.
  • Remove rings, watches, or tight clothing near the bite site before swelling begins.
  • Do not cut the wound, suck out venom, apply ice, or use a tourniquet.
  • Do not try to catch or kill the snake – a photo from a safe distance is helpful, but not essential.
  • Get to the nearest hospital with antivenom facilities as quickly as possible. 

 

Pets

 

  • Keep your pet calm and restrict movement immediately.

  • Carry your pet rather than allowing it to walk.

  • Go straight to the nearest veterinary clinic – do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

  • Do not cut, suck, bandage tightly, or apply ice to the wound.

  • If safe, note the snake’s appearance, but do not attempt to capture it.