Egyptian Cobra

The Egyptian Cobra is one of the largest cobra species in Africa, with a long history of cultural significance, having been depicted in ancient Egyptian art and associated with royalty. It ranges across much of North and Sub-Saharan Africa.

It is highly venomous and medically significant, delivering a potent neurotoxic venom capable of causing serious envenomation, though bites are relatively infrequent given its generally shy nature.

• Large, heavy-bodied cobra, typically 1.5-2 m (5-6.6 ft), occasionally larger
• Coloration ranges from uniform brown, gray, or black to banded or speckled forms
• Broad hood without a distinct eye-spot pattern, unlike some Asian cobra species
• Round pupils and smooth scales
• Large, robust head distinct from the neck

Its large size and plain or variably patterned hood without a spectacle marking help distinguish it from related African cobras.

This species occupies savanna, semi-desert, scrubland, and agricultural areas, often near water. It ranges widely across North Africa, the Sahel, and parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, frequently found near villages and cultivated land where rodents are abundant.

The Egyptian Cobra is primarily nocturnal but may be active during cooler daylight hours. It preys on rodents, birds, amphibians, and other snakes. When threatened, it rears up, spreads a broad hood, and hisses loudly. It is egg-laying, with females depositing clutches of roughly 10-20 eggs.