Senegalese Cobra

The Senegalese cobra was recognized as a distinct species following taxonomic revision of the Egyptian cobra species complex, which previously encompassed a wide range of African populations under a single name. It occurs in the western Sahel and Sudanian savanna zones of West Africa.

It is a venomous elapid of considerable size, and given its close relationship to the Egyptian cobra, it is considered medically significant within its range.

• Adults typically 1.4-2 m; a large-bodied cobra.
• Coloration usually brown, tan, or grayish, often with a somewhat uniform appearance and paler underside.
• Smooth scales, round pupils, capable of spreading a broad hood.
• Distinguished from the true Egyptian cobra largely by geographic range in West Africa and subtle genetic and morphological differences identified in recent taxonomic studies.

Found in savanna, dry woodland, and semi-arid habitats across Senegal, Gambia, Guinea, Mali, and Mauritania in West Africa, often near water sources and sheltering in burrows or rocky terrain.

Primarily nocturnal or crepuscular, hunting rodents, amphibians, and other reptiles. It defends itself by rearing and spreading a broad hood, relying on biting rather than spitting. It is oviparous, with clutches of roughly 15-20 eggs.