Zebra spitting cobra, Zebra cobra, Zebra snake, Western barred spitting cobra, Black spitting cobra, Woods black spitting cobra
Naja nigricincta is a venomous species of spitting cobra native to drier regions of southern Africa. It has long been considered to be a subspecies of the Black-necked spitting cobra (Naja nigricollis).
Naja nigricincta has a dark brown to black body and zebra-like vertical whitish or light yellow stripes along its dorsal side. These stripes are generally evenly spaced and can be complete or fragmented. The ventral scales range from white to orange in color. In juvenile snakes, the overall coloration is lighter than in adults. This snake can flatten its head and neck into a hood. The head and hood are uniformly dark brown or black.
Naja nigricincta is native to parts of southern Africa (southern Angola, Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho, and South Africa). These snakes inhabit deserts, dry rocky areas, shrubland, and savannas.
These cobras are largely nocturnal and are often found while crossing roads at night. They are mainly terrestrial but can climb trees and swim. Although very dangerous, these snakes are shy and secretive and usually do not bite unless they are cornered or provoked. They can also spit their venom, hitting their enemies with great accuracy and causing.
The venom of Naja nigricincta can cause massive hemorrhaging, necrosis, and paralysis in bite victims.
Naja nigricincta is a carnivore that feeds on lizards, frogs, and other snakes.
Naja nigricincta is an oviparous species laying 10 to 20 eggs.
There are no known threats to this species at present.
The IUCN Red List and other sources don’t provide the number of the Naja nigricincta total population size. Currently, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List and its numbers today are stable.