Naja nivea

(Linnaeus, 1758)

Vernacular names
English : Cape cobra
French : Cobra du Cap

Classification
Class : Reptilia
Order : Squamata
Family : Elapidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can reach a record length of 1.80 m but are usually smaller. Two colorations exist : a brown phase, sometimes turning into beige, with or without dark markings; a bright yellow to golden-orange phase, sometimes with black spots.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in southern Africa, from south and central Namibia, south-west Botswana, South-west South Africa and Lesotho. Mostly found in arid areas such as dry savannas, fynbos, steppes and deserts.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not listed
Status : Despite local persecution and capture for animal trade (small scale), the species isn’t believed to be threatened.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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