Naja nigricollis

Naja nigricollis, commonly known as the Black-necked spitting cobra, is a species of spitting cobra found in the sub-Saharan Africa. It is one of the largest cobras of the African continent, and it is known for its ability to spit or spray venom.

Description

The Naja nigricollis is a large and robust snake, with adults reaching lengths of 1.2 to 2.2 meters. The snake's most distinctive feature is its black neck, which gives the species its common name. The rest of the body can vary in color, from a light brown to a dark grey.

Distribution and habitat

The Naja nigricollis is found throughout sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal and Guinea in the west, to Ethiopia and Somalia in the east, and south to Namibia and Angola. It inhabits a variety of habitats, including savannah, grassland, woodland, and forest.

Behavior and ecology

The Naja nigricollis is primarily nocturnal, but it can be active during the day in cooler weather. It is known for its ability to spit venom, which it uses as a defensive mechanism. The venom can cause severe pain and damage to the eyes, and can lead to blindness if not treated promptly.

Venom

The venom of the Naja nigricollis is a potent neurotoxin, and it is capable of causing rapid paralysis and death. The venom is also cytotoxic, causing tissue damage and necrosis.

Conservation status

The Naja nigricollis is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, due to its wide distribution and presumed large population. However, it is threatened by habitat loss and persecution due to fear.

See also

• List of cobra species
• Venomous snake