Gold's Tree Cobra

Gold's tree cobra (Pseudohaje goldii) is one of two 'forest cobra' species in the genus Pseudohaje, distinguished by its strongly arboreal habits and unusually large eyes for a cobra. It is a true elapid and venomous, though it lacks the classic hood-spreading display of typical Naja cobras.

Its secretive, canopy-dwelling lifestyle in dense rainforest means encounters with people are uncommon, and its bite, while medically significant, is rarely documented.

This species has a slender build adapted for climbing, with smooth scales and a glossy sheen.

• Uniform dark brown, blue-black, or coppery coloration dorsally, often with paler ventral scales
• Large, prominent eyes with round pupils, unusual among cobras
• Head is narrow and not strongly distinct from the neck; it does not form a broad hood
• Long, slender body and tail suited to arboreal movement
• Adults reach 2-2.7 m

Inhabits primary and secondary lowland rainforest across Central and West Africa, including the Congo Basin and parts of West African forest blocks. It is highly arboreal, often found well above the ground in trees and dense vegetation, though it also moves on the forest floor.

Primarily diurnal and an agile climber, hunting birds, eggs, small mammals, and other reptiles in the forest canopy and understory. It is generally shy and quick to flee rather than confront threats. Reproduction is oviparous.