Naja haje – Egyptian cobra
Habitat
Various habitats: flat land, scrubby bushes, grass clumps, irrigated fields, rocky hillsides, old ruins; may hide in old termite mound or rodent burrow; often near villages. Found at sea level to 1,600 m elevation. Not found in rain forests or extreme desert conditions. Geographically widespread in Africa & southern Arabian peninsula.
Activity and Behavior
Nocturnal; emerges at dusk, often seen basking in sun near a retreat in early morning. Often occupies abandoned rodent burrows or termite mounds. While not overtly aggressive, if molested, it will rear & spread an impressive hood up to 12 cm wide. Can bite, & sometimes spreads hood, without rearing. Preys mainly on small mammals.
Venom Characteristics
Venom mainly neurotoxic, affecting nerves controlling respiratory muscles, & possibly w/ cardiotoxins. Untreated cases may die of respiratory failure, sometimes within 5 hrs. Large volume of venom available, & w/ relatively large fangs, it can produce serious envenomation. Many human bites & fatalities annually.
Q
Published
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