Black Tree Cobra
Pseudohaje nigra
A slender, arboreal West African forest cobra closely related to Gold's tree cobra, marked by its uniform blackish coloration.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 1.8-2.4 m (6-8 ft)
- Range
- West Africa (Guinean forest block)
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Overview
The black tree cobra (Pseudohaje nigra) is the second species in the small genus Pseudohaje, restricted to the Upper Guinean forest block of West Africa. Like its relative Gold's tree cobra, it is a venomous elapid adapted to life in the forest canopy rather than on the ground.
Its limited range and forest habitat mean it is infrequently encountered by people, and detailed information on its natural history remains relatively sparse compared to better-studied cobras.
How to identify it
A slender, smooth-scaled cobra built for climbing.
- Predominantly glossy black or very dark brown dorsal coloration
- Large eyes with round pupils
- Narrow head not strongly set off from the neck
- Long, slender body and prehensile-like tail aiding arboreal movement
- Adults typically 1.8-2.4 m
Habitat & range
Restricted to lowland rainforest of the Upper Guinean forest block in West Africa, spanning countries such as Liberia, Ivory Coast, and Ghana. It is arboreal, favoring dense canopy and understory vegetation within intact forest.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Diurnal and highly arboreal, foraging in trees and shrub layers for birds, eggs, amphibians, and small vertebrates. It tends to be reclusive and avoids confrontation, retreating into vegetation when disturbed. Reproduction is oviparous.
Frequently asked questions
Is the black tree cobra venomous?
Yes, it is a venomous elapid closely related to Gold's tree cobra.
Where does the black tree cobra live?
It is restricted to rainforests of the Upper Guinean forest block in West Africa.
How does the black tree cobra differ from Gold's tree cobra?
It has a more uniformly black coloration and a more restricted West African range.
Is the black tree cobra aggressive?
No, it is generally shy and prefers to retreat rather than confront threats.
Black Tree Cobra guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Black Tree Cobra.
