Nature’s calling: Hibernation explained
Snakes in colder regions of the world do have a period of hibernation each year where often many different species of snakes will share the same hibernation den, sometimes even hundreds or thousands of snakes in one den.
Do snakes hibernate in Durban?
The short answer to this question is, no, it simply does not get cold enough.
Hibernation means to have a regular prolonged period of inactivity during winter, this is used by several animal and reptile species around the world in order to survive the cold winter months.
Snakes in colder regions of the world do have a period of hibernation each year where often many different species of snakes will share the same hibernation den, sometimes even hundreds or thousands of snakes in one den.
It never gets cold enough in Durban for snakes to hibernate. This same trend also occurs throughout most of South Africa. Snakes, however, become far less active during the winter months, often preferring to have a set den site and only come out to sunbathe on warm days.
Many snakes use disused animal burrows or termite mounds as dens through winter. Although the temperature in some areas in the country drop below zero degrees at night, snakes keep warm in their burrows one to two meters underground where the temperature stays at around 20 degrees Celsius.
Snakes eat very little if at all through the winter months. This means that they have to stock up on fat reserves during Autumn, which is why we often see an increase in snake activity between March and May.
Some species of snakes, such as mambas, are also actively hunting for mates from April through July, especially in warmer areas such as Durban.
If you would like to contact Warren to have some of your interesting insects, snakes or other wildlife identified, send him a WhatsApp message or call him on 072-211-0353. Visit his Facebook page called, Warren’s Small World.
