Anchieta's Cobra
Naja anchietae
A large, adaptable cobra of south-central Africa, closely related to the Egyptian and forest cobras and capable of considerable size.
- Adult length
- 1.4-2.2 m (4.6-7.2 ft)
- Range
- Southwestern Africa (Angola, Zambia, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe)
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Overview
Anchieta's cobra is found across parts of Angola, Zambia, Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe, occupying a broad range of savanna and woodland habitats in south-central Africa. It belongs to the group of large, non-spitting African cobras related to the forest cobra and Egyptian cobra.
It is an elapid of considerable size, and is not as frequently studied as some other African cobras.
How to identify it
- Adults typically 1.4-2.2 m; a large, robust cobra.
- Coloration usually brown, olive, or grayish, sometimes with faint banding, and a paler belly.
- Smooth scales, round pupils, capable of forming a broad hood.
- Distinguished from related species primarily by its geographic range in south-central Africa and its large adult size.
Habitat & range
Occupies savanna, dry woodland, and semi-arid scrubland across Angola, Zambia, Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe, often near water sources and sheltering in burrows, termite mounds, or rock crevices.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Primarily nocturnal or crepuscular. Rears up and spreads a broad hood when threatened. Feeds on a broad diet of rodents, birds, amphibians, and other reptiles. It is oviparous, laying clutches of around 15-25 eggs.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Anchieta's cobra found?
In south-central Africa, including Angola, Zambia, Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe.
How big does Anchieta's cobra get?
Adults can reach 1.4-2.2 m (4.6-7.2 ft), making it one of the larger African cobras.
Is it related to the forest cobra?
Yes, it belongs to the same group of large non-spitting African cobras that includes the forest cobra and Egyptian cobra.
Anchieta's Cobra guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Anchieta's Cobra.
