One of the rarest raptors in South Africa, there are estimated to be only a couple of hundred of these specialised raptors remaining in the country. This is due to their preference for dune forest- a scarce habitat type in South Africa. Isimangaliso Wetlands Park, fortunately, protects the largest continuous swathe of Dune forest in the country (a narrow strip along the 200km of coastline) and is therefore the best place to search for this extremely localised resident.

Dune forest, the preferred habitat of Southern-banded snake-eagle.

Southern-banded snake eagle typically sit motionless  in dense forest understory, scanning for their reptilian prey. Snakes- such as Forest cobra, Eastern green snake, Vine snake, Spotted bush snake, Gaboon adder, Green mamba and Southern African python- abound in the warm, tropical dune forest providing a rich food source for these regal birds.

Once prey is spotted, the Southern-banded snake-eagle swoops down and grabs it with its talons behind the head before using its bill to decapitate the snake. Medium-sized snakes are swallowed whole (head side of body first) whereas larger snakes are eaten gradually.
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Gaboon adder partially eaten by Southern-banded snake-eagle on the Eastern shores, Isimangaliso Wetlands Park

Luckily, Southern-banded snake-eagle around St Lucia have a preference for road sides. They are often perched on a conspicuous perch alongside the road (such as a telephone line pole) scanning the road and waiting for a reptile to cross making for an easy meal. 

Otherwise, listen for their strange call which is often given from an exposed perch in the forest or whilst soaring high during a display flight.