Rinkhals

The rinkhals is a unique elapid of southern Africa that, despite behaving much like a cobra, belongs to its own genus, Hemachatus, distinct from Naja. It typically shows one or two pale bands across the throat and neck, giving rise to its Afrikaans-derived name meaning "ring-neck."

It is notable among elapids for being one of the few live-bearing (viviparous) snakes rather than egg-layers, and it is also famous for its defensive behavior of feigning death by rolling onto its back with its mouth open. It is venomous and capable of spitting, making it a species of medical importance in the region.

• Adults typically 0.8-1.2 m; moderately built cobra-like elapid.
• Coloration usually dark brown, olive, or blackish, often with one or two pale crossbands on the throat.
• Keeled (rough-textured) dorsal scales, unusual among cobras, which typically have smooth scales.
• Round pupils, moderately narrow hood when displayed; distinguished from true Naja cobras by its keeled scales and throat banding.

Found in grassland, fynbos, and highveld habitats across South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini, and parts of Zimbabwe, often at higher elevations than many other African cobras, including mountainous and cooler temperate regions.

Primarily diurnal to crepuscular, though activity can shift with temperature. When threatened, it can spread a hood, spit venom toward a threat's eyes, and famously feign death by rolling over and lying motionless with its mouth agape. Feeds on toads, rodents, and other small vertebrates. Unusually among elapids, it is viviparous, giving birth to live young rather than laying eggs, with litters of roughly 20-30 young.