The Reptiles snakes and lizards, are as much a part of the animal life of the Palmiet Nature Reserve as are the mammals and birds. The snakes may have taken on the role of the main predators, effecting a control on small mammals, birds, toads and frogs, where other more usual predators do not occur.

Because of their quiet secretive ways, their extraordinary ability to conceal themselves and to remain motionless for long periods snakes are seldom seen. Contact is thus sudden unexpected and at close quarters. For most humans this is an alarming experience but by remaining still the danger of being bitten is greatly minimised.Venomous snakes are more interested in escaping than defending themselves. Snakes are wild creatures and as such their strong sense of self preservation demands that they flee from the presence of danger. If obstructed they are forced to attack.

A number of lizards also occur in the area. The commonest being Skinks (Mabuya), Plated lizards (Gerrhosarus) and Geckos. Two types of chameleon also occur. The large Flap-necked Chameleon and the small brown or grey Dwarf Chameleon which bears living young.

The black and yellow water leguaan (Nile Monitor) and the Rock Monitor are also common in the reserve

Life and death in the Palmiet. A Vine or Twig snake(thelotornis capensis) attacks a Flap- neck Chameleon.(Chamaeleo dilepis)This entire process took almost forty minutes. The Chameleon did not appear to be affected by the Vine Snake's venom and clung on for dear life until the last leg was swallowed. The snake would drop its body to try and dislodge the chameleon and then hung down to swallow its meal. Flap-neck chameleons are also preyed upon by monkeys and crowned hornbills.They lay up to 57 eggs in the ground during spring. The eggs take up to 5 months to hatch. A video of this amazing sequence is available for viewing contact Clive Read 27 (0)82 5705364

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