Written by: nic davies
2025
Here at Safaa, we have only one recorded species of snake, the Schokari sand racer or Forskal sand snake (Psammophis schokari). It happens to be nonvenomous to humans, but a great rodent catcher.
Our main area of habitat is under some old Riyadh sandstone rocks in the middle of the golf course. The other area is under the leaf litter beneath the 2.5 kilometer long cornocaprus hedge at the perimeter of the course.
Snakes have caused many people concern and worry. We were once asked by a senior local resident to close the whole 45-hectare course because he saw a Sand racer on the cart path!
Education is the key, and each year 300-500 plus school children transit through the golf course. We hope that they take home some key facts, like Snakes a Safaa are not to be afraid of and do a good job keeping rodent populations under control.
