yeah, a while after posting this i realised that the safari zone isn't listed as a location on its pokebase page for whatever reason. i'm not enthralled since i hate safari zone catching, but i'm glad i can grab it at all.
i know that sandslash might not be the best ground-type in johto, but i have a big soft spot for it because its design reminds me of sonic and i'm a big dork full of nostalgia.