Cape Cobra
Encyclopedia
The Cape Cobra or yellow cobra (Naja nivea) is a moderately sized, highly venomous cobra
inhabiting a wide variety of biomes across Southern Africa
. The Cape Cobra is also known as the "geelslang" (yellow snake) and "bruinkapel" (brown cobra).
Afrikaans speaking South Africans refer to the Cape Cobra as "koperkapel", mainly because of a rich yellow color variation.
with a total length of 1.85 metres (6.1 ft). Their colouration varies greatly. This species shows a wide range of colour variation; from yellow and golden brown to dark brown and even black. In addition, individuals show a varying degree of black or pale stippling and blotches, and although it has been stated that colour and marking are geographically related, it is also possible to observe virtually all colour varieties at one location. For example, it is well known that the Kalahari Desert
specimens in Botswana
and Namibia
are usually more consistently yellow than the more southerly populations (Spawls & Branch, 1995; Branch, 1998). However, at DeHoop
, and other specific locations in the Western Cape, all colour variations have been recorded.
and in parts of Namibia
, Botswana
, and Lesotho
. In South Africa, they can be found throughout the Cape Province
, Free State Province
, and southwestern Transvaal
. They are also found in the Kalahari desert, particularly in the southern regions of the Kalahari
.
, they can even be found in altitudes as high as 2700 metres (8,858.3 ft) above sea level. They occur in forest and high grassland areas of Free State
province. It can also be found in rocky hills of the Cape
and in desert and semi-desert areas of its geographical range. Cape cobras are also known to venture into villages and cities where they may come in direct contact with humans.
readily, but the species in general is described as not being aggressive as some other African snakes, such as the Black mamba
or the Saw-scaled viper
(Spawls & Branch, 1995; Branch, 1998; Marais, 2004). It has also been stated that the Cape cobra is more aggressive during the mating period (Broadley, 1983; Spawls & Branch, 1995). The Cape cobra is a diurnal species and actively forages throughout the day. During very hot weather it may become crepuscular, but is rarely if ever observed during the hours of darkness (Pers obs.).
The Cape cobra is a feeding generalist. It feeds on a wide spectrum of prey, including other snakes, rodents, lizards, birds, and carrion. Recorded prey items for this species at DeHoop
from October 2004 to March 2006 showed that 31% of the species' diet consisted of rodents, 20% was other snakes (including juvenile and small adult Puff adder
s), 11% lizards, 11% birds, 16% carrion, and 11% "conspecifics". In the same study period conducted at DeHoop, Cobras were seen scavenging and feeding on carrion on two occasions (Phelps, 2006). Both were road-killed snakes, the first, an adult P. rhombeatus, the second an adult Karoo whip snake
, Psammophis notostictus.
There is no recent research or information with regard to size of home range, population densities, or sex ratio. Detailed accounts of such as reproductive and feeding behaviour are also lacking, and past and current information has tended to be anecdotal, or repetitive in popular literature. For example, the accounts of the Cape cobra climbing and preying on sociable weaver (Philetaurus socius) in the Kalahari as been quoted several times (MacLean, 1973).
s and falcon
s, different species of Mongoose
(including the Yellow mongoose
, Cape Gray Mongoose, and even Meerkat
s). Other snakes such as the Black mamba
and the Olive Whip snake (Psammophis mossambicus) also occasionally prey on the Cape cobra. Cape cobra's are also often killed by humans when they venture into human settlements.
s and might also contain cardiotoxins, that affect the respiratory system
, nervous system
, and heart
. The for this species' venom is 0.72 mg/kg. The average venom yield per bite is 100 to 150 mg (Minton, 1974). The mortality rate for untreated bites is not exactly known, but 20-50% is considered to be the general range based on medical literature dating back to the 1950's to the present. It is reported that most untreated bites don't result in death and 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 serious Cape cobra envenomation cases will require antivenom. When death does occur, it normally takes up to five hour
s, but deaths have been recorded at two hours after being bitten and it's often as a result of respiratory failure because of the onset of paralysis.
Cobra
Cobra is a venomous snake belonging to the family Elapidae. However, not all snakes commonly referred to as cobras are of the same genus, or even of the same family. The name is short for cobra capo or capa Snake, which is Portuguese for "snake with hood", or "hood-snake"...
inhabiting a wide variety of biomes across Southern Africa
Southern Africa
Southern Africa is the southernmost region of the African continent, variably defined by geography or geopolitics. Within the region are numerous territories, including the Republic of South Africa ; nowadays, the simpler term South Africa is generally reserved for the country in English.-UN...
. The Cape Cobra is also known as the "geelslang" (yellow snake) and "bruinkapel" (brown cobra).
Afrikaans speaking South Africans refer to the Cape Cobra as "koperkapel", mainly because of a rich yellow color variation.
Description
The Cape cobra is a relatively small species of cobra. Specimens typically average around 1.23 metres (4 ft) or 120 cm long but it may grow up to a maximum size of 1.85 metres (6.1 ft) or 180 cm long, but this is rare. Males are slightly larger than females. The largest recorded specimen was a male found in De Hoop Nature ReserveDe Hoop Nature Reserve
De Hoop Nature Reserve is a nature reserve in the Western Cape Province of South Africa.It lies three hours from Cape Town in the Overberg region, near Cape Agulhas, the southern tip of Africa. Approximately 340 square kilometres in area, it is one of the largest natural areas managed by...
with a total length of 1.85 metres (6.1 ft). Their colouration varies greatly. This species shows a wide range of colour variation; from yellow and golden brown to dark brown and even black. In addition, individuals show a varying degree of black or pale stippling and blotches, and although it has been stated that colour and marking are geographically related, it is also possible to observe virtually all colour varieties at one location. For example, it is well known that the Kalahari Desert
Kalahari Desert
The Kalahari Desert is a large semi-arid sandy savannah in Southern Africa extending , covering much of Botswana and parts of Namibia and South Africa, as semi-desert, with huge tracts of excellent grazing after good rains. The Kalahari supports more animals and plants than a true desert...
specimens in Botswana
Botswana
Botswana, officially the Republic of Botswana , is a landlocked country located in Southern Africa. The citizens are referred to as "Batswana" . Formerly the British protectorate of Bechuanaland, Botswana adopted its new name after becoming independent within the Commonwealth on 30 September 1966...
and Namibia
Namibia
Namibia, officially the Republic of Namibia , is a country in southern Africa whose western border is the Atlantic Ocean. It shares land borders with Angola and Zambia to the north, Botswana to the east and South Africa to the south and east. It gained independence from South Africa on 21 March...
are usually more consistently yellow than the more southerly populations (Spawls & Branch, 1995; Branch, 1998). However, at DeHoop
De Hoop Nature Reserve
De Hoop Nature Reserve is a nature reserve in the Western Cape Province of South Africa.It lies three hours from Cape Town in the Overberg region, near Cape Agulhas, the southern tip of Africa. Approximately 340 square kilometres in area, it is one of the largest natural areas managed by...
, and other specific locations in the Western Cape, all colour variations have been recorded.
Scalation
Dorsal scales on the midbody 21, ventral scales 195-227, Subcaudal scale is paired, subcaudal scales 50-68, anal plate is single, upper labials 7, upper labials to the eye 3+4, preoculairs 1, postoculairs 3 but can also be 4, lower labials 9 (8 – 10), and temporal 1+2 variable.Geographic Range
This species is found mainly in South AfricaSouth Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
and in parts of Namibia
Namibia
Namibia, officially the Republic of Namibia , is a country in southern Africa whose western border is the Atlantic Ocean. It shares land borders with Angola and Zambia to the north, Botswana to the east and South Africa to the south and east. It gained independence from South Africa on 21 March...
, Botswana
Botswana
Botswana, officially the Republic of Botswana , is a landlocked country located in Southern Africa. The citizens are referred to as "Batswana" . Formerly the British protectorate of Bechuanaland, Botswana adopted its new name after becoming independent within the Commonwealth on 30 September 1966...
, and Lesotho
Lesotho
Lesotho , officially the Kingdom of Lesotho, is a landlocked country and enclave, surrounded by the Republic of South Africa. It is just over in size with a population of approximately 2,067,000. Its capital and largest city is Maseru. Lesotho is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. The name...
. In South Africa, they can be found throughout the Cape Province
Cape Province
The Province of the Cape of Good Hope was a province in the Union of South Africa and subsequently the Republic of South Africa...
, Free State Province
Free State
The Free State is a province of South Africa. Its capital is Bloemfontein, which is also South Africa's judicial capital. Its historical origins lie in the Orange Free State Boer republic and later Orange Free State Province. The current borders of the province date from 1994 when the Bantustans...
, and southwestern Transvaal
Transvaal Province
Transvaal Province was a province of the Union of South Africa from 1910 to 1961, and of its successor, the Republic of South Africa, from 1961 until the end of apartheid in 1994 when a new constitution subdivided it.-History:...
. They are also found in the Kalahari desert, particularly in the southern regions of the Kalahari
Kalahari Desert
The Kalahari Desert is a large semi-arid sandy savannah in Southern Africa extending , covering much of Botswana and parts of Namibia and South Africa, as semi-desert, with huge tracts of excellent grazing after good rains. The Kalahari supports more animals and plants than a true desert...
.
Habitat
Although the Cape cobra has the smallest geographical range of any other African cobra, it occurs in a variety of different habitats. This species is mostly found in temperate regions, arid karroid regions, particularly along rivers and streams entering well drained open areas. In LesothoLesotho
Lesotho , officially the Kingdom of Lesotho, is a landlocked country and enclave, surrounded by the Republic of South Africa. It is just over in size with a population of approximately 2,067,000. Its capital and largest city is Maseru. Lesotho is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. The name...
, they can even be found in altitudes as high as 2700 metres (8,858.3 ft) above sea level. They occur in forest and high grassland areas of Free State
Free State
The Free State is a province of South Africa. Its capital is Bloemfontein, which is also South Africa's judicial capital. Its historical origins lie in the Orange Free State Boer republic and later Orange Free State Province. The current borders of the province date from 1994 when the Bantustans...
province. It can also be found in rocky hills of the Cape
Cape Province
The Province of the Cape of Good Hope was a province in the Union of South Africa and subsequently the Republic of South Africa...
and in desert and semi-desert areas of its geographical range. Cape cobras are also known to venture into villages and cities where they may come in direct contact with humans.
Behavior and Diet
The Cape cobra is a timid snake, always seeking to escape when encountered, although when aroused it has been described as willing to bitereadily, but the species in general is described as not being aggressive as some other African snakes, such as the Black mamba
Black mamba
The black mamba , also called the common black mamba or black-mouthed mamba, is the longest venomous snake in Africa, averaging around in length, and sometimes growing to lengths of...
or the Saw-scaled viper
Echis
Echis is a genus of venomous vipers found in the dry regions of Africa, the Middle East, Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka. They have a characteristic threat display, rubbing sections of their body together to produce a "sizzling" warning sound...
(Spawls & Branch, 1995; Branch, 1998; Marais, 2004). It has also been stated that the Cape cobra is more aggressive during the mating period (Broadley, 1983; Spawls & Branch, 1995). The Cape cobra is a diurnal species and actively forages throughout the day. During very hot weather it may become crepuscular, but is rarely if ever observed during the hours of darkness (Pers obs.).
The Cape cobra is a feeding generalist. It feeds on a wide spectrum of prey, including other snakes, rodents, lizards, birds, and carrion. Recorded prey items for this species at DeHoop
De Hoop Nature Reserve
De Hoop Nature Reserve is a nature reserve in the Western Cape Province of South Africa.It lies three hours from Cape Town in the Overberg region, near Cape Agulhas, the southern tip of Africa. Approximately 340 square kilometres in area, it is one of the largest natural areas managed by...
from October 2004 to March 2006 showed that 31% of the species' diet consisted of rodents, 20% was other snakes (including juvenile and small adult Puff adder
Puff adder
Puff adder is the common name of several snake species:* Bitis arietans, a venomous snake species found in Africa and the southern Arabian Peninsula* Bitis, any other member of this genus...
s), 11% lizards, 11% birds, 16% carrion, and 11% "conspecifics". In the same study period conducted at DeHoop, Cobras were seen scavenging and feeding on carrion on two occasions (Phelps, 2006). Both were road-killed snakes, the first, an adult P. rhombeatus, the second an adult Karoo whip snake
Psammophis
Psammophis is a genus of colubrid snakes.-Description:Maxillary teeth 10 to 13, one or two in the middle much enlarged and fang-like, preceded and followed by an interspace, the two posterior grooved. Anterior mandibular teeth long, posterior small. Head elongate and distinct from neck, with...
, Psammophis notostictus.
There is no recent research or information with regard to size of home range, population densities, or sex ratio. Detailed accounts of such as reproductive and feeding behaviour are also lacking, and past and current information has tended to be anecdotal, or repetitive in popular literature. For example, the accounts of the Cape cobra climbing and preying on sociable weaver (Philetaurus socius) in the Kalahari as been quoted several times (MacLean, 1973).
Predators
Predators of the Cape cobra include the honey badger (Ratel), various birds of prey such as Secretary birds, eagleEagle
Eagles are members of the bird family Accipitridae, and belong to several genera which are not necessarily closely related to each other. Most of the more than 60 species occur in Eurasia and Africa. Outside this area, just two species can be found in the United States and Canada, nine more in...
s and falcon
Falcon
A falcon is any species of raptor in the genus Falco. The genus contains 37 species, widely distributed throughout Europe, Asia, and North America....
s, different species of Mongoose
Mongoose
Mongoose are a family of 33 living species of small carnivorans from southern Eurasia and mainland Africa. Four additional species from Madagascar in the subfamily Galidiinae, which were previously classified in this family, are also referred to as "mongooses" or "mongoose-like"...
(including the Yellow mongoose
Yellow Mongoose
The Yellow Mongoose , sometimes referred to as the Red Meerkat, is a small mammal averaging about 1 lb in weight and about 20 in in length...
, Cape Gray Mongoose, and even Meerkat
Meerkat
The meerkat or suricate, Suricata suricatta, is a small mammal belonging to the mongoose family. Meerkats live in all parts of the Kalahari Desert in Botswana, in much of the Namib Desert in Namibia and southwestern Angola, and in South Africa. A group of meerkats is called a "mob", "gang" or "clan"...
s). Other snakes such as the Black mamba
Black mamba
The black mamba , also called the common black mamba or black-mouthed mamba, is the longest venomous snake in Africa, averaging around in length, and sometimes growing to lengths of...
and the Olive Whip snake (Psammophis mossambicus) also occasionally prey on the Cape cobra. Cape cobra's are also often killed by humans when they venture into human settlements.
Venom
The Cape cobra's venom is made up of postsynaptic neurotoxinNeurotoxin
A neurotoxin is a toxin that acts specifically on nerve cells , usually by interacting with membrane proteins such as ion channels. Some sources are more general, and define the effect of neurotoxins as occurring at nerve tissue...
s and might also contain cardiotoxins, that affect the respiratory system
Respiratory system
The respiratory system is the anatomical system of an organism that introduces respiratory gases to the interior and performs gas exchange. In humans and other mammals, the anatomical features of the respiratory system include airways, lungs, and the respiratory muscles...
, nervous system
Nervous system
The nervous system is an organ system containing a network of specialized cells called neurons that coordinate the actions of an animal and transmit signals between different parts of its body. In most animals the nervous system consists of two parts, central and peripheral. The central nervous...
, and heart
Heart
The heart is a myogenic muscular organ found in all animals with a circulatory system , that is responsible for pumping blood throughout the blood vessels by repeated, rhythmic contractions...
. The for this species' venom is 0.72 mg/kg. The average venom yield per bite is 100 to 150 mg (Minton, 1974). The mortality rate for untreated bites is not exactly known, but 20-50% is considered to be the general range based on medical literature dating back to the 1950's to the present. It is reported that most untreated bites don't result in death and 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 serious Cape cobra envenomation cases will require antivenom. When death does occur, it normally takes up to five hour
Hour
The hour is a unit of measurement of time. In modern usage, an hour comprises 60 minutes, or 3,600 seconds...
s, but deaths have been recorded at two hours after being bitten and it's often as a result of respiratory failure because of the onset of paralysis.