Psammophis schokari
(Sand snake)

Observations:

  • Rock islands near Wadi Sora (Gilf Kebir), October 2002
  • Abu Ballas, October 2002
  • Bir Zighen, October 2003
  • Kufra Oasis, October 2003
  • Jebel Arkenu (upper main wadi), October 2003
  • Karkur Idriss (Jebel Uweinat), October 2003
  • upper Karkur Talh (Jebel Uweinat), March 2004
  • near Karkur Murr (Jebel Uweinat), March 2013

    Sand snakes are relatively abundant in all parts of the desert, both in areas with and without vegetation. The most were noted in October 2003, when the weather was unseasonably hot. Two were seen in the lower dead branches of palm trees (at Bir Zighen and Kufra), others in the open desert. A particularly large individual (over 1 metre long) was seen basking in the morning sun in the bed of the north branch of Karkur Idriss.

       
    Wadi Sora vicinity,
    (west rock island),
    2nd November, 2002
    (approx. 10am)

         		  Jebel Arkenu,
    (upper main wadi),
    26th October, 2003
    (approx. 11am)

         		  Karkur Talh,
    (upper south west branch),
    25th March, 2004
    (approx. 9am)
       
    Karkur Idriss, (north branch), 31st October, 2003 (approx. 8am)
       
    near Karkur Murr, 15th March, 2013 (approx. 3pm)