Reptiles
Forest Cobra
Naja melanoleuca · also called black and white-lipped cobra
Along a forest stream in the Congo Basin, a forest cobra slides down a bank and into the water, its black scales glistening as it hunts for fish.
Overview
The forest cobra, Naja melanoleuca, is a Least Concern venomous snake of rainforest, swamp forest, and wet savanna across West and Central Africa. Its size, swimming and climbing ability, and neurotoxic venom make it the most formidable cobra of the African forests.
A cobra at home in water and trees
Unlike the desert and savanna cobras, the forest cobra spends much of its time in and around water and in the branches above it, hunting fish and amphibians as well as rodents.
Status
Least Concern, widespread across a large range.
Forest Cobra: common questions
How big is the forest cobra?
It is the largest true cobra in Africa, commonly around 2 metres long and sometimes more.
Does the forest cobra swim and climb?
Yes, it swims well in rivers and swamps and climbs trees, and is more at home in water and foliage than most cobras.
Is the forest cobra dangerous?
Yes, it has a powerful neurotoxic venom that can cause paralysis, so any bite needs urgent medical treatment.
Where is the forest cobra found?
It lives in rainforest, swamp forest, and wet savanna across West and Central Africa, from Senegal east to Uganda and south to Angola.