Southern African Herpetologists
Bringing herpetologists together to share a greater understanding of Southern Africa's reptile and amphibian species.
SOUTHERN AFRICAN HERPETOLOGISTS
Welcome
Southern Africa has a rich diversity of reptile and amphibian species, many of which are endemic to the region.
About Southern African Herpetologists
The idea
Sarah & Rupert established the Southern African Herpetologists (SAH) to give a platform to some amazing and dedicated herpetologists in Southern Africa.
- Membership is FREE.
- Members can contribute species images to our books.
- Have a FREE bio on the website.
- Have their books advertised on the website.
- Contribute articles and papers on all topics of herpetology.
- Receive advice and guidance on writing and publishing their own books.
- Post items on our Blog.
- Contribute to species and habitat conservation.
(Bitis gabonica © Tyrone J. Ping)
Founding Members
When Sarah & Rupert wrote A Field Guide to the Snakes of Eswatini, a group of people instantly gave us access to their vast library of species images.
To show our gratitude to these herpetologists we established Southern African Herpetologists and invited them to become Founding Members of the group.
Many of these 'herpers' devote endless weekends searching for and photographing Southern African herp species, often without very little acknowledgement for their dedication and hard work. We aim to change that.
(Pseudaspis cana © Warren Schmidt)
Other Members
During the writing of our forthcoming books, all our Founding Members once again gave us generous access to their vast photographic libraries.
However, several additional herpetologists also answered our call and we have acknowledged their assistance with images by giving them membership to the group.
(Bitis atropos © Dylan Leonard)
Honorary Life Members
From time to time we will invite people to become Honorary Life Members.
These people will have made a substantial contribution to our understanding of reptiles and amphibians across the fields of academia, science, fieldwork, research and community service.
(Elapsoidea boulengeri © Kurt van Wyk)
Associate Members
Associate Members are organisations whose own independent work we recognise and respect.
Contribute images to our Nguni Series
Photographers who allow us to use their photos in our Nguni Series of books receive the following benefits:
- A FREE copy of the publication that contains your photo/s.
- Automatic membership to Southern African Herpetologists.
(Naja nivea © Courtney Hundermark)
Books
Here we will be showcasing books written by our members, including Tyrone Ping's ground-breaking 'Provincial Series'.
(Photo © Tyrone J. Ping)
Articles & Papers
Herpetologists are great collectors of data and information, but sadly this often sits hidden in drawers and rarely sees the light of day. We aim to make this incredible depository of data more freely available so that it can be used as a reference for future work on the subject.
Our first article is:
The Genus Thelotornis. Consequences of Envenomation - A Brief Review by Andy Martin - 20th June 2024
(Thelotornis capensis © Richard C. Boycott)
Snake Rescue List
Many of our members are on call as 'snake rescuers' to remove unwanted snakes from gardens and homes. Here you will find a list of those people and the areas they cover.
(Dendroaspis angusticeps © Miguel da Fonseca)
Are you writing a book on Herpetology?
Southern African Herpetologists can help.
Not only can we advise on how to write a book and how to get published but can also provide things like head-scale drawings and maps. (FREE to members)
(Causus rhombeatus © Rupert Wilkey)
Events & Talks - Coming Soon!
Our Events page will be coming soon.
There you will find out about snake talks and book signings by our members.
(© Tyrone J. Ping & Rupert Wilkey)
Snakes of Southern Africa
Visit our Snakes of Southern Africa menu below and choose your country.
Here you will find:
- Current Species Checklists
- PDF downloads for the Highly Venomous species in those countries
(Bitis arietans © Rupert Wilkey)
The Latests Books by Our Members
A Field Guide to the Snakes & other Reptiles of Kwa Zulu-Natal
A Field Guide to the Snakes & other Reptiles of the Western Cape
A Field Guide to the Snakes & other Reptiles of the Western Cape
By Tyrone Ping
A Field Guide to the Snakes & other Reptiles of the Western Cape
A Field Guide to the Snakes & other Reptiles of the Western Cape
A Field Guide to the Snakes & other Reptiles of the Western Cape
By Tyrone Ping
The Reptiles of the Limpopo Province and Kruger National Park
The Reptiles of the Limpopo Province and Kruger National Park
The Reptiles of the Limpopo Province and Kruger National Park
By Ruan Stander
Blouberg Nature Reserve - A Visitor's Guide
The Reptiles of the Limpopo Province and Kruger National Park
The Reptiles of the Limpopo Province and Kruger National Park
By Jeff W. Morris & Ruan Stander
Contact Us
Questions, Comments or how to become a Member
For inquiries into our work or the availability of our herpetologists, please use the form to contact us.
Thank you for your interest and we will do our best to get back to you soon!
(Causus rhombeatus © Richard C. Boycott)
Southern African Herpetologists
Bringing herpetologists together to share a greater understanding of Southern Africa's reptile and amphibian species.
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