Written By
Sadick Omary Hamisi, 0714116963
Welcome to
our https://wildlifetanzania.co.tz/
page for the series of the fascinating world of wildlife. Today, will focus on
the COBRA family. We explore by delving into the world of the BLACK-NECKED
SPITTING COBRA, scientifically known as *Naja nigricollis*. This species is
well-known for its distinctive black neck and its defensive ability to spit
venom, making it one of the more intriguing and dangerous snakes in Africa.
IDENTIFYING THE BLACK-NECKED
SPITTING COBRA
In East
Africa, the Black-Necked Spitting Cobra is found in two primary color morphs.
The first has a brown or olive coloration, which fades on the underside, and a
brown checkered pattern around the neck. The second morph is typically black,
gray, or a darker brown, sometimes with pinkish squares on the neck.
This
species can be identified by its broad head, tubular body, and smooth scales.
The black coloration on the neck is a key feature, making it easily
distinguishable from other cobras. Additionally, these snakes have long tails,
comprising 15-20% of their total body length.
Juveniles
are usually gray, with black heads and necks. As they grow, they may retain
this gray coloration until they reach about one meter in length. In some
regions of Tanzania, the black coloration extends from the head to the neck
without any other color interruptions.
Cobras of
this species with brown or olive tones typically have 17-25 rows of scales
along their trunk and can grow up to 2.7 meters, though most are between 1.3
and 2 meters in length. These cobras are generally larger and have broader
heads compared to their black counterparts.
The
Black-Necked Spitting Cobra can sometimes be confused with the Egyptian cobra
due to their similar size and coloration. However, the lack of scales below the
eyes in the Black-Necked Spitting Cobra is a quick way to differentiate between
the two species.
BEHAVIOR AND ECOLOGY
The
Black-Necked Spitting Cobra is notable for its ability to spit venom as a
defense mechanism. When threatened, this snake will raise the front part of its
body, expand its hood, and spit venom at the eyes of its attacker, potentially
causing severe irritation or temporary blindness. It can spit venom up to three
meters away, making it a formidable predator.
These
cobras are more ground-dwelling than arboreal, though they have the capability
to climb trees. They are also known to hide in termite mounds, tree hollows,
and old logs when resting.
Adults are
primarily nocturnal hunters, while juveniles are more active during the day, likely
to avoid larger predators. They are opportunistic feeders, consuming a wide
variety of prey, including frogs, birds, chicks, eggs, other snakes, and
lizards. Interestingly, they have been observed hunting large lizards such as
monitor lizards. Rodents, however, are rarely part of their diet.
HABITAT AND DISTRIBUTION
The
Black-Necked Spitting Cobra is typically found in coastal regions, dry and
moist savannas, and semi-arid environments with elevations below 1700 meters.
Their range extends across several African countries, including Tanzania,
Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda, and as far west as Senegal, and as far south as
Namibia.
In
Tanzania, they are more commonly found in coastal regions, central areas, and
the north. However, in the southern and western regions of Tanzania, sightings
are rare, indicating a possible lower population density in these areas.
REPRODUCTION
After
mating, the female lays between 8-20 eggs, each about 2.5-4 cm in size. These
eggs take approximately 60-70 days to hatch, depending on environmental
conditions such as temperature and humidity. The female does not guard the eggs
after laying them, choosing instead to lay them in a safe location and leave
them to hatch on their own.
The
hatchlings, which emerge at a length of 20-30 cm, are fully venomous and
capable of fending for themselves from birth.
VENOM
The
Black-Necked Spitting Cobra is a highly venomous species, with venom that
primarily affects the muscles but can also impact the nervous system. The
symptoms of envenomation by this snake closely resemble those caused by the
Mozambique Spitting Cobra, including severe pain, swelling, and tissue damage.
If the venom is spit into the eyes, it can cause intense pain and potential
blindness if not treated promptly.
CONCLUSION
I
encourage you to continue following our series to learn more about the SWILA
snake family and other fascinating wildlife species. In our next article, we
will explore another species until we have covered all the SWILA snakes in East
Africa, particularly in Tanzania.
Hillary Mrosso edited this article.
Sadick Omary Hamisi
Phone:
0714116963
Email:
swideeq.so@gmail.com
Instagram:
wildlife_articles_tanzania
Facebook:
Sadicq Omary Kashushu/Envirocare and Wildlife Conservation
Website:
www.wildlifetanzania.co.tz
