Schokari sand racer care is for experienced snake keepers only. The Schokari sand racer (Psammophis schokari) is a slender, extremely fast snake from North Africa, including Egypt, and the Middle East. It is rear-fanged and mildly venomous; it is not considered dangerous to humans, but bites should still be avoided. This guide covers housing, heat, feeding and safe handling.
Taxonomy note: some Nile Valley sand racers once treated as Psammophis schokari aegyptius are now recognised as a separate species, Psammophis aegyptius. Ask for the exact locality of any animal you buy.
Schokari Sand Racer (Psammophis schokari) at a Glance
- Scientific name: Psammophis schokari (family Psammophiidae, sometimes placed in Lamprophiidae)
- Native range: North Africa (including Egypt), the Middle East and parts of western Asia
- Adult size: up to about 120 cm total length; very slender
- Venom: rear-fanged (“semi-venomous”); no known serious threat to humans
- Activity: active by day, fast and a good climber
- Reproduction: egg-laying
- Conservation: IUCN Least Concern; not listed in CITES
Is the Sand Racer a Good Pet?
Not for beginners. Sand racers are nervous, very quick and often refuse to settle for handling. Many wild-origin animals only eat lizards at first. They suit keepers who enjoy watching an active display snake rather than handling one.
Enclosure Size and Setup
- Minimum size: about 120 × 60 × 60 cm for an adult; longer is better
- Security: a fully locking enclosure with no gaps — these snakes escape through tiny openings
- Substrate: sand and soil mix with flat rocks
- Climbing: sturdy branches and dry shrubs; they hunt from bushes in the wild
- Hides: several, on both warm and cool sides, to reduce stress
Temperature and Lighting
- Basking spot: about 35–40 °C
- Warm side air: about 30–32 °C
- Cool side: about 24–27 °C
- Night: heat off, normal room-temperature drop
- UVB: recommended for this day-active species, with shade available
Diet and Feeding
In the wild the Schokari sand racer eats small vertebrates: mostly lizards, plus small rodents and birds. In captivity, aim to establish it on appropriately sized frozen-thawed rodents; some keepers scent rodents with lizard shed to start reluctant feeders. Feed juveniles every 5–7 days and adults every 7–10 days, sized to the snake’s girth. Always provide fresh water.
Safe Handling
- Use a snake hook and keep handling to what is necessary
- Expect fast, sudden movements; work over a closed room floor
- If bitten, wash the area and seek medical advice, mentioning a rear-fanged snake
- Always check local laws — some places regulate all venomous species, including rear-fanged snakes
Legal Status and Buying
Psammophis schokari is not listed in CITES, but exports from Egypt still need official permits and veterinary paperwork, and your country’s rules apply. Browse our snakes, the reptiles of Egypt list, read the venomous vs non-venomous snakes guide, or contact us on WhatsApp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Schokari sand racer venomous?
It is rear-fanged and mildly venomous, but it has no known record of serious harm to humans.
What do sand racers eat?
Mainly lizards in the wild, plus small rodents and birds.
What is the scientific name of the Schokari sand racer?
Its scientific name is Psammophis schokari.
