Egyptian Cobra
Name
Egyptian Cobra [Naja haje] Known as the Snouted Cobra [Naja annulifera]
Class
Reptilia
Order
Squamata
Family
Elapidae
Subspecies
Snouted Cobra [Naja annulifera] previously referred to as the Egyptian cobra but the species was split into two completely separated species. Snouted Cobra [Naja annulifera] occurs in Limpopo, North West, Northern Gauteng and Northern KwaZulu-Natal.
It is also found in Southern Mozambique, Eastern Botswana and Zimbabwe. Egyptian cobra [Naja haje] is found Morocco, Eastwards to Egypt, South to Tanzania westwards and Central Africa.
Length F
Average length of 1.8m but have been known to reach 2.5m
Length M
Average length of 1.8m but have been known to reach 2.5m
Description
Snouted Cobra’s occour in two forms typically: Plain phase: light to dark brown/yellow with uniform colour and banded.
Distribution
Snouted Cobra [Naja annulifera] occurs in Limpopo, North West, Northern Gauteng and Northern KwaZuluNatal. It is also found in Southern Mozambique, Eastern Botswana and Zimbabwe.
Venom
The Egyptian Cobra venom is a potent neurotoxic type.
Diet
Snouted cobra’s are known to feed on a wide variety of prey include: small mammals, birds, frogs, lizards (especially monitor lizards) and other snakes including venomous species like Mozambique Spitting Cobra’s and puff adders will be taken.
Field Notes
The Snouted cobra is a large robust snake, which can be found in arid savanna, wooded areas where they often take refuge in trees as well as along river beds. They do not spit/spray their venom. When threatened will stand their ground and spread an impressive hood to ward off predators, failing that these snakes will strike out and bite.
