African Black Spitting Cobra

Range: Africa, south of the Sahara

Habitat: Savannahs, Grasslands. Human Farming areas, generally not found far from permanent source of water

Natural Diet: Small mammals, snakes, lizards and occasionally ground dwelling birds

Diet at Rain Forest: Pre-killed rodents

Size: 5-7 feet

RainForest Facts: One of Africa's largest Cobras, the African Black Spitting Cobra can reach up to 7 feet in length. This predator feeds primarily on snake and rodents. As is the case with all cobras the female lays eggs, one clutch per year is deposited in rotting vegetation. 75-80 days is the average incubation time for this species.

Monitor lizards as well as other predators exact a heavy toll on the eggs in the nest. Baby cobras posses powerful venom to protect themselves, at birth the cobra is ready to kill it's first meal. The first meal is actually not consumed for almost a week though as the snake completes absorbing the nutrients from the egg, a "post natal shed" occurs approximately one week after hatching.

Described as aggressive in the wild, the Black Spitting Cobra is a dangerous animal when cornered.

Status in Wild: Disappearing in the wild, hunted for human consumption as well as the skin trade. The loss of this snake species is leading to an increase in the rodent populations around human farming areas.