KZN Reptile Coexistence

Reptiles and amphibians may not capture attention like Africa’s famous megafauna, but they are absolutely vital to the health and balance of ecosystems across the continent. These creatures make up roughly 25–50% of the dietary intake for predators including mongooses, raptors, and leopards. KwaZulu-Natal alone hosts over 200 reptile and amphibian species that form a foundational food web supporting the iconic African wildlife everyone travels to see.

Reshaping a reputation

Nick Evans, featured in the television programme Snake Season and founder of KwaZulu-Natal Amphibian & Reptile Conservation (established in 2015), works to reshape public perception of South Africa’s most misunderstood wildlife. His organisation protects these species while generating valuable conservation data, particularly on snakes.

Quiet services in the city

Within urban environments, these cold-blooded animals provide significant ecological services that are easily overlooked. Frogs function as natural pest controllers, consuming hundreds of insects nightly, while snakes help manage rodent populations and the disease risks that come with them. Since its founding, the organisation has safely captured and relocated over 5,000 reptiles, including crocodiles, from urban areas back into the wild.

Our commitment

Legacy Conservation Safaris partners with this initiative, with a share of every safari booking supporting Nick’s rescue operations, public education, and research. It is conservation that begins exactly where most people stop paying attention.