Reptile

Forest cobra Facts

Naja melanoleuca

Reptile

The forest cobra (Naja melanoleuca), also commonly called the black cobra and the black and white-lipped cobra, is a species of highly venomous snake in the family Elapidae. The species is native to Africa, mostly the central and western parts of the continent.

Diet: Forest cobras will feed on a wide variety of prey, including amphibians, anuran tadpoles, fish, other snakes, monitor lizards and other lizards, birds and bird eggs, rodents, and other small mammals.
Lifespan: Up to 29.1 years (maximum recorded longevity)

Forest cobra Facts at a Glance

It belongs to the family Elapidae in the order Squamata. This profile is designed as a concise starting point; the source names below document the review basis.

Forest cobra Conservation Status

Forest cobra is listed here as Least Concern. Protecting habitat, maintaining healthy prey or food sources, and reducing human pressure are important parts of conserving wild populations.

Quick facts

Lifespan: Up to 29.1 years (maximum recorded longevity)

Fun facts

Although it is active mostly during the day (diurnal) in uninhabited areas, it can also be active by night (nocturnal) where it goes into urban areas.
In certain areas, it hides along river banks, in overhanging root systems or bird holes, and in urban areas will hide in junk piles or unused buildings.
When not active, it takes cover in holes, brush piles, hollow logs, among root clusters or in rock crevices, or in abandoned termite mounds at forest fringe or clearings.