Head to head
Forest Cobra vs Cape Cobra
Forest Cobra
VS Cape Cobra
The forest cobra and Cape cobra are two true cobras in the genus Naja at opposite ends of Africa, one a forest species and the other a lover of dry scrub.
| Forest Cobra | Cape Cobra | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Naja melanoleuca | Naja nivea |
| Colour | Often a glossy black back with a cream or yellow throat and lips marked with dark bars | Varies from bright yellow to copper-brown to almost black, depending on the region |
| Venom | A powerful neurotoxic venom that can cause paralysis, and Africa's largest true cobra at around 2 metres or more | A highly neurotoxic venom, regarded as one of the most dangerous snakes in southern Africa |
| Habitat | Rainforest, swamp forest, and wet savanna | Dry scrub, fynbos, grassland, and semi-desert |
| Lifestyle | Swims well in rivers and swamps and climbs trees, and is usually shy | Hunts mainly in daylight, and often enters barns, outbuildings, and sometimes houses in search of rodents |
| Diet | Fish, amphibians, rodents, birds, and other snakes, often near water | Rodents, birds, lizards, and other snakes, including venomous ones |
| Range | West and Central Africa, from Senegal east to Uganda and south to Angola | South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana |
| Conservation status | Least Concern, though forest loss affects local populations | Least Concern, with a stable population |
Forest Cobra vs Cape Cobra: common questions
Which cobra swims and climbs?
The forest cobra, which swims well in rivers and swamps and climbs trees, more at home in water and foliage than most cobras.
Which one enters farm buildings?
The Cape cobra, which often enters barns, outbuildings, and sometimes houses in search of rodents.
Are both dangerous?
Yes, both have a powerful neurotoxic venom that can cause paralysis, so any bite needs urgent medical treatment.