Watch The Sighting:
Safari-goer Trudy filmed this captivating encounter while on a drive in Lower Sabie within Kruger National Park. After noticing some movement on the ground, Trudy realized there was a female boomslang slithering about, and its eyes were fixed on a large chameleon resting in the shade of a fence a few feet away.
As the snake approached its prey, Trudy realized that a tense drama was about to unfold between predator and prey, so she started to film.
A Suspenseful Hunt
The female boomslang, slender and cryptically coloured, moved with calculated ease toward the unsuspecting reptile. Meanwhile, the chameleon rocked back and forth, in an attempt to deter the approaching predator.
Chameleons are masters of camouflage and rely heavily on it to avoid being detected by predators. By changing their skin to blend in with their surroundings, they can remain inconspicuous, however, their slow reflexes and lack of flight response make them vulnerable when their cover is blown.
When camouflage fails, chameleons may puff up their bodies, hiss, or rock back and forth to appear larger and more unpredictable. In this case, though, the chameleon’s defences were not strong enough to outwit the determined boomslang.
The boomslang crept within inches of the chameleon, then paused, reassessing before striking. Eventually, it got close again and landed an initial bite to the chameleon’s side.
After waiting a few minutes for its venom to begin working, the boomslang approached once more and made its way to the other side of the chameleon. Everyone held their breath in the tense moment, unsure of when the snake would make its final move.
The Strike That Sealed The Chameleon’s Fate
Finally, the boomslang launched itself at the chameleon’s side for a second time, latching on and not letting go! The chameleon desperately tried to escape, crawling away and twisting its body, but the boomslang’s grip was unrelenting.
As it crawled away, the chameleon’s movements began to slow down until its struggle finally ceased. The snake won its prize and showcased the effectiveness of being a quiet killer.
Patience And Precision
Despite their mild appearance, boomslangs are among the most venomous snakes in Africa. Their hunting method is cautious and calculated, approaching their prey slowly and striking only when perfectly positioned.
In Trudy’s video, the female boomslang initially retreats slightly, possibly testing the chameleon’s awareness before making a strategic bite. Boomslangs are rear-fanged snakes, and their venom is hemotoxic, meaning it destroys blood cells and disrupts clotting.
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Unlike some snakes that kill quickly with neurotoxins, boomslang venom works slowly but lethally. After the initial bite, the snake waits calmly, giving the venom time to take effect, but after latching on with its second bite, the chameleon’s fate was sealed.
Nature’s Slow And Silent Drama
Scenes like this remind us of the complex predator-prey relationships that unfold daily in wild ecosystems. They also highlight some incredible adaptations from both predator and prey.
In the end, the balance of survival tilts with the smallest movements and the subtlest of strategies. In nature’s quietest moments, patience is often the most powerful weapon.