Snout-Nosed Cobra

Naja annulifera

Geographical Locale

• Found throughout Africa

Appearance

• Two enlarged venom fangs fixed in the front of the mouth.
• Solid teeth in both jaws.
• Typically yellowish to olive brown but can be brown or dark brown.
• Belly usually yellowish.
• Normally have a darker band of colour round the neck.
• Average length of adults between 4' 11" and 6 1/2' but can reach lengths of 9' 10" !
• Body is cylindrical and stout with a long tail.
• Males larger than females.
• Often confused with the Eqyptian Cobra (Naja haje).

Venom

• Highly poisonous. Neurotoxic – attacks central nervous system.

Lifecycle

• Oviparous snakes; females lay between 8 and 20 eggs.
• Incubation period is between 65 and 90 days.
• Hatchlings between 9/10" and 1'-1" 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 arid or moist savannah.
• Active at night; foraging from early evening – often found in poultry runs.
• Not naturally aggressive and will bask in the sun near it’s home to enable ‘a quick retreat’ if disturbed.
• Generally only attacks if cornered or provoked.
• Diet consists of amphibians, rodents, birds & their eggs, lizards and other snakes – particularly Puff adders, (Bitris arietans)