Naja anchietae (Anchieta's cobra)
Anchietae se kobra [Afrikaans]
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Teleostomi (teleost fish) > Osteichthyes (bony fish) > Class:
Sarcopterygii (lobe-finned fish) > Stegocephalia (terrestrial vertebrates) >
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Romeriida > Diapsida > Lepidosauromorpha > Lepidosauria >
Squamata > Serpentes
(snakes) > Family: Elapidae > Genus:
Naja
Identification
Anchieta's cobra can be identified by its large impressive
hood (with a conspicuous brown band in juveniles), its occasional ploy of
playing dead, its preference wooded river banks and its high level of activity
at dusk. It grows to an average length of 1 meter but may reach 1.2 meters in
length.
Distribution and habitat
Found in the following areas Northern
Namibia, Northern Botswana and a small portion of East Zimbabwe. Its favoured
habitat is wooded areas close to rivers or wetlands. Although primarily ground
dwelling it can also be found small shrubs.
Food
Feeds on
toads,
rodents, birds
(including poultry), birds eggs, lizards and other snakes.
Predators, parasites and disease
Fed on by
birds of
prey (particularly
secretary birds and
snake eagles),
mammalian carnivores (e.g.
mongooses) and other snakes.
Reproduction
Oviparous (egg laying), laying between 47 and 60 eggs in
early summer.
Longevity
Medical importance
This cobra species has a potentially lethal neurotoxic
venom that can cause asphyxiation and eventually death if untreated. Its venom
also causes pain and blistering in the affected limb. There is not an antivenom
available and therefore early treatment is essential.
Links
References
-
Broadley, D.G. 1983. FitzSimons' Snakes of Southern
Africa. Delta Books, Johannesburg.
-
Marais, J. 2004. A Complete Guide to Snakes of Southern Africa.
Struik Publishing, Cape Town.
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