Full Name: Zebra Cobra (Naja nigricincta nigricincta)
Other Names: Western Barred Spitting Cobra; Sebraslang
Classification: VERY DANGEROUS
Map indicating the distribution of the Zebra Cobra in Southern Africa.
The Zebra Cobra occurs from central Namibia northwards into Angola and is one of three spitting snakes in Namibia. It averages 1.2 m and may exceed 1.5 m in length.
It is largely nocturnal and is often found on tarred roads, especially after rain. This is a shy snake that will choose to escape, but will spread a hood and bite readily if cornered. Like the Black Spitting Cobra, it is quick to spit and does so effectively.
The venom of the Zebra snake is potently cytotoxic, causing pain, swelling, blistering and in many instances tissue damage. Fatalities are not common. The venom of this snake is not used in the manufacturing process of polyvalent antivenom and the effectiveness of the antivenom to neutralise the venom of the Zebra Cobra is not well known. Antivenom should be administered in serious bites.
