Summary details for Naja nigricollis


If you are unsure of the identification of a snake you have observed, you can ask an expert for snake identification by uploading a photo to the Snakes of Namibia facebook page.

You can also get help from their amazing album of infographics of the common snake species in Namibia.

The facebook page also has contact details for snake catchers - people who are experienced in catching and removing snakes - throughout the country.

In the case of a snake bite, email "snakebite" to snakebitedoc@gmail.com. Namibia's snakebite expert - Dr Buys - will respond immediately.


 

Black-necked Spitting Cobra

Naja nigricollis

The Black-necked Spitting Cobra is the largest spitting cobra in southern Africa reaching a maximum length of 2 meters.
Very little is known about the distribution of this snake in Namibia, but we believe they occur from Katima Mulilo along the eastern border and potentially further west.
These snakes are mostly active at night when they forage for food. Like the zebra snake this snake has the ability to spit its venom when threatened. They are highly venomous; the venom is similar to that of the zebra snake. There have been no recorded bites from this species in Namibia.

Black-necked Spitting Cobra
Black-necked Spitting Cobra © Photo: Francois Theart

Photos uploaded with atlas records

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