Black necked spitting cobra

Introduction: Black-Necked Spitting Cobras (Naja nigricollis) are nocturnal but more aquatic than other species of cobra. It is a nervous creature displaying the characteristic open hood and spits. Venom yields are high and fatal to humans and bites in Northern Namibia are common.

Distribution: Zambezi Region (formerly the Caprivi Strip) with a subspecies (N.n. Nigricinta) common to central and northern Namibia including Etosha National Park, Windhoek, Swakopmund. Another subspecies (N.n. woodi) is found in southern Namibia extending to the Orange River, except for the Namib Desert.

Diet: Toads, lizards, grasshoppers and rodents.

Colouring: Olive brown to black back, a yellow to red belly and a broad, dark, throat band.

Breeding: Females lay between 10 and 20 eggs.

Size: Max SVL male 1.5m, female 2m.