Full Name: Mozambique Spitting Cobra (Naja mossambica)
Other Names: Mosambiekse spoegkobra, M’fezi
Classification: HIGHLY VENOMOUS
Map indicating the distribution of the Mozambique Spitting Cobra in Southern Africa.
The Mozambique Spitting Cobra occurs on the eastern side of South Africa, most of Mozambique, Zimbabwe, north-eastern Botswana, northern Namibia and further north in Africa. Its diet consists largely of frogs, small mammals, birds and snakes, including the Puff Adder. It is active on overcast days, but more active at night, often ending up in houses where people are bitten while asleep.
This snake accounts for the majority of serious snakebite cases in southern Africa, but fatalities are rare. It also spits its venom and does not always spread a hood when doing so. The venom is potently cytotoxic causing pain, swelling, blisters and in many cases severe tissue damage. Antivenom is effective if administered early and in large dosages.
