Full Name: Black-necked Spitting Cobra (Naja nigricollis)
Other Names: Swartnekspoegkobra
Classification: VERY DANGEROUS
Map indicating the distribution of the Black-necked Spitting Cobra in Southern Africa.
This snake just enters Namibia in the extreme north but is common elsewhere in Africa. It is a large cobra that may exceed 2 m in length. The Black-necked Spitting Cobra is active both during the day and at night and covers fair distances in search of food. It is also at home in trees.
When threatened this snake will spread a hood and spit its venom. Once threatened it will not hesitate to strike. It is an opportunistic hunter and feeds on rodents, birds, frogs, lizards and other snakes, including the Black Mamba.
The venom of this snake is potently cytotoxic causing pain, swelling, blistering and possibly tissue damage. Some neurotoxic symptoms have also been recorded. Polyvalent antivenom should be used in cases of severe envenomation.
