Cape Cobra

Cape Cobra

Yellow cobra, Geelslang (Yellow snake), Bruinkapel (Brown cobra), Koperkapel (Copper cobra)

Kingdom
Phylum
Subphylum
Class
Order
Suborder
Family
Genus
SPECIES
Naja nivea
Population size
Unknown
Life Span
12-20 years
Length
1-1.4
3.3-4.6
mft
m ft 

The Cape cobra (Naja nivea ), also called the yellow cobra, is a moderate-sized, highly venomous species of cobra inhabiting a wide variety of biomes across southern Africa including arid savanna, fynbos, bushveld, desert and semi-desert regions. The species is diurnal and is a feeding generalist, preying on a number of different species and carrion. Predators of this species include birds of prey, honey badgers and various species of mongoose. The Cape cobra is also known as the "geelslang" (yellow snake) and "bruinkapel" (brown cobra) in South Africa. Afrikaans speaking South Africans also refer to the Cape cobra as "koperkapel" ("copper cobra"), mainly because of a rich yellow colour variation. This species has no known subspecies.

Appearance

The Cape cobra is a medium-sized, highly venomous snake found across southern Africa. It varies widely in coloration, from yellow through golden brown to dark brown and even black. In addition, individuals show a varying degree of black or pale stippling and blotches, and although color and marking are geographically related, they are also possible to observe virtually all color varieties at one location. Juveniles generally have conspicuously dark throats extending down the belly for the width of a dozen or so ventral scales. The color fades during their first year or two of life, but while it lasts young Cape cobras are often confused with the Rinkhals spitting cobra.

Distribution

Geography

Cape cobras are native to southern Africa. In South Africa, where they most often occur, these snakes are found throughout the Western Cape, Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, Free State, and North West Province. They also occur in the southern half of Namibia, southwestern Botswana, and western Lesotho. Their preferred habitat is fynbos, bushveld, karoo scrubland, arid savanna, the Namib desert, and the Kalahari desert. Cape cobras often inhabit rodent burrows, abandoned termite mounds, and, in arid regions, rock crevices. In temperate regions and arid karroid regions, they are often found along rivers and streams entering well-drained, open areas. They can be found in forest and high grassland areas of Free State province, in rocky hills of the Cape, and in desert and semi-desert areas throughout their geographical range. Cape cobras venture into villages, partially developed suburbs, and squatter communities where they may enter houses to escape the heat of the day or to seek prey such as rodents.

Cape Cobra habitat map
Cape Cobra habitat map
Cape Cobra
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Habits and Lifestyle

Cape cobras are generally solitary and interact with each other only during the mating season. They are diurnal and actively hunt throughout the day. During very hot weather they may become crepuscular, but they are rarely if ever observed during the hours of darkness. They are terrestrial snakes, but will readily climb trees and bushes, and show considerable agility in for example systematically robbing the nests of the Sociable weaver. When not active, Cape cobras hide in holes or underground cover, such as brush piles, often remaining in the same retreat for some time. They are quick moving and alert creatures, and although these cobras are reported generally calm when compared to some other African venomous snakes, they strike readily if threatened. When disturbed and brought to bay the Cape cobra raises its forebody off the ground, spreads a broad hood, and may hiss loudly. While on the defensive, it strikes unhesitatingly. If the threat remains motionless, the snake will quickly attempt to escape, but at any sign of movement will adopt its defensive posture again.

Seasonal behavior

Venom

The Cape cobra is regarded as one of the most dangerous species of cobra in all of Africa, by virtue of its potent venom and frequent occurrence around houses. The venom of this snake tends to be thick and syrupy in consistency and dries into shiny pale flakes, not unlike yellow sugar.

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The Cape cobra's venom is made up of potent postsynaptic neurotoxins and might also contain cardiotoxins, that affect the respiratory system, nervous system, and the heart. The mouse SC LD50 for this species' venom ranges from 0.4 mg / kg to 0.72, while the IV and IP LD50 values are 0.4 mg/kg and 0.6 mg/kg, respectively. The average venom yield per bite is 100 to 150 mg according to Minton. The mortality rate for untreated bites is not exactly known, but is thought to be high. This can be due to various factors including the amount of venom injected, psychological state of the bitten subject, the penetration of one or both fangs, and so on. Mechanical ventilation and symptom management is often enough to save a victim's life, but cases of serious Cape cobra envenomation will require antivenom. When death does occur, it normally takes anywhere from an hour (in severe cases) to ten hours (or more) and it is often as a result of respiratory failure, due to the onset of paralysis. The antivenom used in case of a bite is a polyvalent antivenom produced by the South African Institute of Medical Research (SAIMR).

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Diet and Nutrition

Cape cobras are carnivores and scavengers. They feed on a wide spectrum of prey, including other snakes, rodents, lizards, birds, and carrion. They are also well known for raiding Sociable weaver nests. Cape cobras can be cannibalistic and sometimes eat the young of their own kind.

Mating Habits

REPRODUCTION SEASON
September-October
INDEPENDENT AGE
at birth
FEMALE NAME
female
MALE NAME
male
BABY NAME
snakelet
web.animal_clutch_size
8-20 eggs

Cape cobras are oviparous and lay eggs. They breed during the months of September and October, and during this period these snakes may be more aggressive than usual. Females will lay between 8 and 20 eggs in midsummer (December-January), in a hole or an abandoned termite mound or some other warm, wet location. The hatchlings measure between 34 and 40 centimeters (13 and 16 in) in length and are completely independent from birth.

Population

Population threats

There no major threats to the Cape cobra at present.

Population number

The Cape cobra population number is unavailable at present from open sources and its conservation status has not been evaluated.

Ecological niche

Cape cobras play an important role in the ecosystem they live in. These snakes favor to prey on various rodents and thus help to control their populations. Since they often occur near farms and human settlements Cape cobras are also helpful in controlling rodent pests.

Fun Facts for Kids

  • The Cape cobra is also known as the "geelslang" (yellow snake) and "bruinkapel" (brown cobra) in South Africa. Afrikaans speaking South Africans also refer to the Cape cobra as "koperkapel" ("copper cobra"), mainly because of a rich yellow colour variation.
  • The generic name of the Cape cobra 'naja' is a Latinisation of the Sanskrit word nāgá meaning "cobra". The name 'nivea' is derived from the Latin words either 'nix' or 'nivis' meaning 'snow' or 'niveus' meaning 'snowy' or 'snow-white'. The connection with snow is unclear but might have been suggested by discoloration of the first preserved specimens received by taxonomists in Europe.
  • Cape cobras are regarded as one of the most dangerous species of cobra in all of Africa, by virtue of their potent venom and frequent occurrence around houses. The venom of these snakes tends to be thick and syrupy in consistency and dries into shiny pale flakes.

References

1. Cape Cobra on Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cape_cobra

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