Fascinating Cape Cobra (Naja nivea) in stunning rock landscape of Western Cape (00017268)

Description: The Cape Cobra (Naja nivea) is a captivating and impressive venomous snake. We encountered it on a remote mountainside in the Western Cape, South Africa. The sun illuminated a small, colorful group of rocks, protruding like an island from the vast Overberg Fynbos area. The different variations of Naja nivea were hiding in the rock crevices, but it was the Golden Cape Cobra, also known as the Yellow variety, that decided to make an appearance. With a head barely distinguished from its body, the Cape Cobra can reach a length of up to 1.60 meters. Its large eyes with round pupils, and a body surrounded by 19-21 rows of smooth scales, make it a fascinating sight. The color variations range from Yellow to reddish, brown, or black, with light or dark speckles. Cape Cobras have a keen sense of smell and inhabit dry, rocky terrain. They can display impressive threat behavior, but also strike without warning. The venom of the Cape Cobra is neurotoxic and ranks among the most potent snake venoms. A bite can lead to death within minutes. This image captures the Cape Cobra in its natural habitat, a fascinating creature of the wild.

Location: Western Cape, Gansbaai Mountains, South Africa

Date of Capture: 09.08.2005