Identification:
The snouted Cobra can be identified by the following features; a particularly large hood, a dark throat band, its dark brown or blue black colouration (however some individuals have a banded colouration) and its habit of basking in close proximity to its retreat. It grows to an average length of 1.8 meters but can be as long as 2.5 meters in length.
Distribution and habitat:
This snake is present in the following areas Limpopo, the North West, northern Gauteng and northern KwaZulu-Natal. It is also found in southern Mozambique, eastern Botswana and Zimbabwe. Its favoured habitat includes savanna, lowveld and bushveld areas. It is also able to climb trees.
Food:
Feeds on toads , rodents , birds (especially poultry), other snakes (especially Puff adders).
Predators, parasites and disease:
It is fed on by birds of prey (particularly secretary birds and snake eagles ) and other snakes
Reproduction:
Oviparous (egg laying), lays between 8 and 33 eggs in early summer.
Longevity:
This cobra species has an average life span of 20 years.
Medical importance
The Snouted cobra has a very powerful and potentially fatal neurotoxic venom which causes respiratory failure and intense pain in the affected limb. Luckily an antivenom is available.
Links:
Naja annulifera PETERS, 1854 (The Reptile Database - JCVI)
References
Broadley, D.G. 1983. FitzSimons' Snakes of Southern Africa. Delta Books, Johannesburg.
Marais, J. 2004. A Complete Guide to Snakes of Southern Africa. Struik Publishing, Cape Town.
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