Egyptian Cobra Facts
Despite what its name would suggest, Egypt is not the only habitat for the Egyptian cobra. It lives in a large geographical region that stretches as far south as Tanzania and as far north as Tunisia, so the species can live in a wide range of environments. Though dangerous when threatened, humans have handled the cobra as pets, and for entertainment and scientific reasons.
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Identification
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The Egyptian cobra, or Naja haje, is a species of snake that lives in much of Africa and the Arab peninsula. There are three recognized subspecies. Naja haje arabica lives in the Arab peninsula; Naja haje legionis lives in Morocco; and Naja haje haje lives in the rest of Africa.
Description
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Though its size is dependent upon population and geography, the Egyptian cobra can grow between 3 and 7 feet and a maximum of 10 feet; and the distinctive hood is about 6 to 7 inches long. Their ground color can vary from yellow, brown-gray, copper red, gray, pale or dark brown with pale or dark spots over the body. The ventral side can be yellow-white, yellow-brown, gray, blue-gray, dark brown or black. The neck often has black bands.
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Habitat and Behavior
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Egyptian cobras are nocturnal; they feed on toads, tortoises, lizards, snakes, birds, fish and small mammals. They typically live in both dry and moist steppes, savannas, grasslands and semi-deserts that contain at least some vegetation and water. Abandoned animal burrows and rock outcroppings often make suitable homes.
Venom
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The Egyptian cobra is one of the most venomous species of cobra in the world. Its bite can deliver 175 to 200 mg of toxins, which is made up of an enzyme called lecithinase that dissolves cell membranes and destroys tissue. The toxin acts on the nervous system and can cause swelling, nausea, dizziness, and possibly paralysis and death due to respiratory failure within 15 minutes. One legend says that Cleopatra committed suicide with the toxins of an Egyptian cobra.
Popularity
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Egyptian cobras are best known from the popular image of a snake charmer, but some people take them as a pet. The snake can be curious and relatively docile, but if it senses a threat, it will raise the front part of its body and spread its hood to warn predators and other threatening animals that it is about to strike.
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References
- Photo Credit Cobra in Jaipur image by Cozminelu from Fotolia.com
