Cape cobra

Introduction: For a cobra, the Cape Cobra (Naja nivea) is relatively small in size, although it has a broad head. They are most active during the day and early evening and are a nervous and deadly species. The venom is neurotoxic and a bite from the Cape cobra usually results in death in humans. It is a non-spitter. Large volumes of anti venom are urgently required in the treatment of a cobra snakebite with paralysis remaining for periods of up to 25 days.

Distribution: Southern Namibia including Windhoek, Swakopmund, Luderitz extending south to Fish River Canyon and the Orange River.

Diet: A wide species of prey including other snakes and rodents. They have been observed climbing low trees to raid sociable weavers nests.

Colouring: The species usually found in Namibia is the black cobra which is purplish-black.

Breeding: Females lay between 8 to 20 large eggs in a burrow.

Size: Max SVL male 1.5m, female 1.45m.