Cape Cobra

The Cape cobra (Naja nivea) is a dangerous venomous snake one can encounter in South Africa and Namibia. Since it belongs to the family Elapidae, its glands secrete neurotoxic venom. It is found mostly in dry environments, from sea level to high lands at 2,500 m (7,600 ft). It inhabits the Kalahari semi-desert areas in Botswana, the savanna and the fynbos of the Cape provinces, and the dry rocky hills in the desert of Namibia, as well as in dry riverbeds.

Physical Description

The Cape cobra is a slender snake, with broad head. It has smooth and dull scales, which are arranged in 19 to 21 rows at mid body, with the ventral side having an average of 200 rows. Although the adult can measure between 1.20 and 1.50 m in length, the maximum recorded size is 2.30 m. Several distinct color forms have been observed, from uniform yellow, to orange, and dirty yellow, speckled with dark brown. Juveniles have a broad black band on the throat, which disappear over time. When it feels threatened, it spreads out its hood.

Below, the Cape cobra lying on a rock. A yellow specimen, with dark speckles.

 The Naja nivea is usually terrestrial, living on ground level, but sometimes it climbs trees and bushes as it is known to look for bird nests in the Kalahari. It feeds on a wide variety of small animals, such as rodents (rats and mice), lizards, frogs, and other snakes. However, it is sometimes hounded and killed by Meerkats and mongoose. The female of the species lay between 8 and 20 eggs in December and January in a hole or termite hill in warm areas.

Warning

The Cape cobra is a major snakebite hazard in South Africa, both to human beings (farmers/tourists) and to stock. It accounts for most snakebites fatalities in South Africa. This is due to the fast onset of paralysis caused by the neurotoxic venom. There is paralysis of the head and neck muscles first, then total paralysis spreads to the ribcage intercostal muscles, diaphragm and lungs. Since this snakebite is an urgent medical case. Patients need treatment with ventilator/tube to help him/her breathe by artificial expansion of chest, and anti-venom treatment and Doxapram.

Below, a adult, in brownish yellow scales.

Map of southern portion of Africa, showing the distribution areas of the Cape cobra.