Egyptian Cobra

Naja haje

Geographical Locale

• Found throughout Africa

Appearance

• Two enlarged venom fangs fixed in the front of the mouth.
• Solid teeth in both jaws.
• Dark grey-brown in colour developing to almost black as they get older.
• Across the neck is a broad black band.
• Young snakes are a sandy-yellow colour with a black band on the neck.
• Main characteristic is the head and the hood; head is large and depressed with a broad snout. Necks can be as much as:
  • 7" wide.
  • Eyes are large with a round pupil.
  • Males larger than females; average size 5' to 6.5' metres in length.

Venom

• Highly poisonous. Neurotoxic – attacks central nervous system.

The Bite

• Wound shows two punctures; is extremely painful and swollen round the bite.
• Does not show severe Oedema or bleeding.

Lifecycle

• Oviparous; females lay between 8 & 20 eggs, usually in termite mounds.
• Incubation period is about 60 days.
• Hatchlings between 7 3/4" and 13 3/4" in length.
• Hatchlings shed their skin after 7 to 12 days.
• Hatchlings feed after their first shedding.

Habits

• Favourite ‘homes’ are termite mounds but can also be found in grasslands.
• Active at night; foraging from early evening – often found in poultry runs.
• Very timid; always basks in the sun near home to enable ‘a quick retreat’.
• Generally only attacks if cornered or provoked.
• Diet consists of amphibians, rodents, birds & their eggs, lizards and other snakes – particularly Puff adders, (Bitris arietans).