Zebra Spitting Cobra

The zebra spitting cobra is native to the dry coastal and interior regions of Namibia and southern Angola, an area shaped by desert and semi-desert conditions. Its common name refers to the bold black-and-pale banding seen in some populations.

It is a venomous elapid capable of spitting venom defensively and is considered medically significant in its range, though encounters with humans are relatively infrequent given the sparse human population across much of its distribution.

• Adults reach about 0.9-1.4 m in length.
• Pattern often shows contrasting dark and pale crossbands resembling zebra stripes, though some individuals are more uniformly colored.
• Smooth scales, round pupils, forms a hood when threatened.
• Distinguished from the similar black-necked spitting cobra by its more strongly banded pattern and more restricted southwestern range.

Found in the Namib Desert margins, gravel plains, rocky outcrops, and dry savanna of Namibia and southern Angola, often sheltering in rock crevices, burrows, or under debris in this arid landscape.

Primarily nocturnal, most active during cooler evening and night hours. It can spit venom accurately toward the eyes of a threat when cornered. Feeds on rodents, other reptiles, and amphibians. Reproduction is oviparous, with clutches of roughly 10-20 eggs.