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.

Desert Mountain Adder

Bitis xeropaga

The Desert Mountain Adder is a rare snake that is endemic to southern Namibia and the northern Cape. It only occurs along the lower Orange River from Augrabies to the Richtersveld and Keetmanshoop in Namibia. It inhabits sparsely vegetated mountain tops and rocky hillsides and often shelters in rock cracks on rocky mountain slopes.

The color varies and can range from dark grey to light brown with dark or light crossbars. The head has no markings. As with all adders the head is triangular shaped and distinctive from the rest of the body with raised ridges above the eye.

Habitat loss, especially mining, remains the biggest threat to the species.

Although they are venomous, bites from this species are incredibly rare due to their restricted range. Bites are not fatal and treatment is strictly supportive.