Parque Nacional da Gorongosa Moçambique

Description

The Mozambique Spitting Cobra is second only to the Mamba as the most dangerous snake in Africa because of its venomous bite.  Adults are 1-1.5 meters long, with the tail encompassing 15 – 20 percent of the total body length.  These cobras don’t actually spit venom; they spray it.  Their muscles contract to push venom from the bottom of the fangs while air from the lung blows or sprays the venom at the victim’s eyes.

Their color can be olive-grey, tawny brown, or grey with black scales in between.  Mozambique Spitting Cobras occupy a wide variety of habitats—they can be found in thicket and moist savanna, often near permanent water holes.  Adult Mozambique Spitting Cobras are mostly nocturnal but can be found by day sun bathing close to their hiding spot.  The species will often move around the savanna after rains.

The spitting cobra has a broad diet, including snakes, lizards, frogs, rodents and other small mammals.  When disturbed, this cobra will rear up two thirds of its body and spray its venom with quick accuracy toward the victim’s eyes.  Its poison takes effect instantaneously.  It can cause inflammation or permanent blindness if not washed out immediately.

How to See

Mozambique Spitting Cobras can be found in hollow logs, under rocks or termite mounds, in holes under ground, and under thick bushes.  Keep your distance from this cobra if you happen to run into one.  It can spray your eyes with surprising accuracy.

Mozambique Spitting Cobras can be confused with the Black-necked Spitting Cobra that occurs in the same area and looks quite similar to the Mozambique Spitting Cobra, but is black or brown in color.

Status

Africa: Common
Mozambique: Common
Gorongosa: Common

Conservation

Gorongosa National Park has a healthy population of Mozambique Spitting Cobras and no conservation actions are planned at this time.