Snakes & Reptiles of Zambia & Malawi (Pocket Guide), by Darren Pietersen and Luke Verburgt

Snakes & Reptiles of Zambia & Malawi (Pocket Guide), by Darren Pietersen and Luke Verburgt. Publisher: Penguin Random House South Africa. Imprint: Struik Nature. Cape Town, South Africa 2023. ISBN 9781775847168 / ISBN 978-1-77-584716-8

Introduction to Snakes & Reptiles of Zambia & Malawi (Pocket Guide), by Darren Pietersen and Luke Verburgt.

What are reptiles?

Reptiles are a diverse group of vertebrate animals in the class Reptilia. They are characterised by their dry, keratinous skin, which is usually modified into scales or plates, although some species, such as soft-shelled terrapins, are shielded by a leathery skin. Reptiles come in a staggering array of types and forms, comprising tortoises, terrapins, turtles, crocodiles, lizards, snakes and the lizard-like tuatara (endemic to New Zealand). Reptiles are ectothermic, meaning that they cannot produce their own body heat and have to rely on the sun to warm up. This is why they are often seen basking in the sun on cold mornings, and why reptile activity decreases in winter. Because reptiles rely on the sun rather than their own metabolism to generate body heat, they also eat less than do mammals or birds of a similar size. Snakes are generally solitary although some species, such as blind snakes, may congregate under suitable cover, and pythons, usually a single female and several attendant males, may be found together while mating. Lizards are, by comparison, more social and some species even form small to large aggregations or colonies. Tortoises are generally solitary, with males and females only coming together to mate. Terrapins are also predominantly solitary, although some species form large aggregations at communal basking sites or at big prey sources (such as a mammal carcass in the water). Crocodiles, too, are predominantly solitary although they also form large aggregations at favoured basking sites, at predictable food sources, or in dwindling pools during periods of drought. Crocodile hatchlings usually form loose aggregations in shallow water for the first month or two, finding safety in numbers. Most reptiles lay eggs, which may be hard-shelled or soft-shelled and leathery. Other reptiles give birth to live young. In such instances, the eggs are formed and retained in the female's body until they hatch, with the female thus appearing to give birth to live young.

Role of reptiles in the ecosystem

Snakes help keep rodent populations in check by eating rats and mice, which in turn prevents damage to crops and limits the spread of disease. Some snake species, as well as many lizard species, feed on termites and other insects, which helps to keep the insect population under control and reduces the damage they can cause to crops, buildings and other structures. Monitor lizards and crocodiles feed on larger prey animals than snakes, thus also keeping these population numbers in check. Tortoises are known for their ability to disperse plant seeds as they move from plant to plant when feeding, positively contributing to the growth of new plants and the health and diversity of local ecosystems. Finally, tortoises, snakes and lizards are important food sources for many predators, including birds and mammals, making them an important part of the food chain.

Reptile diversity in Zambia and Malawi

Zambia and Malawi are landlocked countries at the crossroads of central, east and southern Africa. Zambia is situated on a high plateau (900 to 1,500m above sea level), which generally gives the country a moderate climate. The Zambezi River, its best-known geographical feature, drains most of the country except a small section in the north. Malawi lies to the east of Zambia and is characterised by a highly varied landscape endowed with spectacular highlands and extensive lakes. [...]

This is an excerpt from Snakes & Reptiles of Zambia & Malawi (Pocket Guide), by Darren Pietersen and Luke Verburgt.

Title: Snakes & Reptiles of Zambia & Malawi
Series: Pocket Guide
Author: Darren Pietersen; Luke Verburgt
Publisher: Penguin Random House South Africa
Imprint: Struik Nature
Cape Town, South Africa 2023
ISBN 9781775847168 / ISBN 978-1-77-584716-8
Softcover, 11 x 18 cm, 152 pages, throughout colour photographs and distribution maps