Head to head
Cape Cobra vs Egyptian Cobra
Cape Cobra
VS Egyptian Cobra
The Cape cobra of southern Africa and the Egyptian cobra of North and West Africa are two hooded cobras in the genus Naja with potent neurotoxic venom.
| Cape Cobra | Egyptian Cobra | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Naja nivea | Naja haje |
| Colour | Varies from bright yellow to copper-brown to almost black, depending on the region | Varies from uniform brown or grey to banded patterns depending on the population |
| Hood display | Rears the front of its body and spreads a hood when alarmed | Raises the front third of its body and spreads a broad hood by extending elongated ribs behind the head |
| Venom | Highly neurotoxic, and regarded as one of the most dangerous snakes in southern Africa | Acts primarily on the nervous system, capable of causing paralysis, including of the breathing muscles, and fatal without prompt antivenom |
| Diet | Rodents, birds, lizards, and other snakes, including venomous ones | Rodents, birds, toads, and other snakes, along with eggs |
| Habitat and range | Dry scrub, fynbos, grassland, and semi-desert in South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana | Desert, savanna, and farmland from Morocco and Egypt south through the Sahel to West Africa, and parts of the Arabian Peninsula |
| Notable behaviour | Hunts mainly in daylight and often enters barns, outbuildings, and sometimes houses in search of rodents | Shelters in rodent burrows, termite mounds, or rubble, and is widely believed to be the cobra emblem worn on pharaohs' crowns |
| Conservation status | Least Concern, with a stable population | Least Concern |
Cape Cobra vs Egyptian Cobra: common questions
Which cobra is linked to the pharaohs?
The Egyptian cobra, which is widely believed to be the species shown in the uraeus emblem worn on the crowns of ancient Egyptian pharaohs.
Why does the Cape cobra enter buildings?
It often enters barns, outbuildings, and sometimes houses in search of rodents, which brings it into contact with people.
Are both venomous?
Yes, both have a potent neurotoxic venom and are dangerous to people, so any bite needs urgent medical attention.