Snake rescued in Ladanna
Following a tip-off from locals about a python being kept illegally, a local snake catcher sprung into action
POLOKWANE – Local snake catcher, Stefan Stoltz, and Frans Chuene, an Environmental Management Inspectorate from the Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (Ledet) found a rock python kept on a residence in the Ladanna area.
“When we got to the house, the enclosure of the snake did not have proper heating. There was a mouse running around in the enclosure, which is very dangerous because the snake can get injured while chasing the mouse or get bitten by the mouse. The python was not in a good condition either, it had belly burn and some ticks as well,” Stoltz explained.
According to Zack Saayman, founder and director of the South African Reptile Rescue Unit (SARRU), the person did not only keep the snake illegally, he was also trying to sell it.
“Stephan said that the person was asking for R1 000 for the python. First of all, he did not have the Threatened Or Protective Species (TOPS) Permit to legally keep the snake in his possession and he also needed wildlife traders permit to legally sell the snake,” Saayman said.
Saayman said he was grateful to Ledet for their prompt action.
“SARRU would like to thank Lindi Kgwale and Frans Chuene for taking this matter serious and dealing with this case so quickly. We would also like to thank Stefan Stoltz for reporting the case to SARRU, and supporting our aims with reptile conservation in South Africa,” Saayman said.
The snake was released back into the wild.
