If you are unsure of the identification of a snake you have observed, you can ask an expert for snake identification by uploading a photo to the Snakes of Namibia facebook page.

You can also get help from their amazing album of infographics of the common snake species in Namibia.

The facebook page also has contact details for snake catchers - people who are experienced in catching and removing snakes - throughout the country.

In the case of a snake bite, email "snakebite" to snakebitedoc@gmail.com. Namibia's snakebite expert - Dr Buys - will respond immediately.

Oates' Twig or Vine Snake

Thelotornis capensis oatesii

Oates' Twig Snake, or Vine Snake, is a very slender arboreal snake which occurs in north eastern and north western Namibia. They are cryptically coloured and difficult to detect, favouring low shrubs, bushes and dead tree stumps where they resemble twigs or branches. The head is spear shaped with a keyhole shaped pupil. Average length is 80cm-120cm.

If threatened it will inflate the first half of its body and strike out.

They possess a potent haemotoxic, however bites are rare.