A small, venomous snake found only in South Africa. It grows just under a foot long, making it smaller than other snakes. It has rough, scaly skin with earthy tones like brown, grey, and reddish patches, which help it blend perfectly into its rocky, dry surroundings. This snake has a broad, flat head and thick body, giving it a sturdy appearance. Like other adders, it has vertical slit-like pupils that are great for seeing in low light. The Albany adder is a ground-dweller, mostly hiding under rocks or in dry vegetation. It is not aggressive and tends to stay hidden, only biting if it feels cornered or threatened. Even though it’s venomous, it’s not considered dangerous to humans because it’s so rare and usually stays out of sight.

One of the most unique things about the Albany adder is its rareness. It’s one of the rarest snakes in the world. Unlike many snakes spread across vast areas, the Albany adder is only found in a tiny patch of land near Port Elizabeth in South Africa. It doesn’t move far from this region, and it’s very picky about its habitat. Most snakes adapt to different environments, but the Albany adder sticks to dry, scrubby land with just the right kind of rocky cover. Its short, stocky body also sets it apart from many other snakes, giving it a more compact look. While other snakes might climb trees or swim, the Albany adder sticks to the ground and prefers to stay hidden.

The Albany adder was first discovered in 1937, and very few were seen for decades afterward. Then, for a long stretch of over 60 years, there were no confirmed sightings at all. Many experts believed the species had gone extinct—until a few were found again in 2009.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

South Africa

EN

2021

Eastern Cape Province