African Tree Cobra

About the African Tree Cobra

Goldie's tree cobra (Pseudohaje goldii), also known commonly as the African tree cobra and (in error) as Gold's tree cobra, is a species of venomous tree cobra (genus Pseudohaje meaning "false cobra") in the family Elapidae. The species is native to Central and Western Africa. This species is one of the two tree cobras in Africa, the other being the black tree cobra (Pseudohaje nigra). Goldie's tree cobra is one of the most venomous snakes and creatures in Africa.

Belgian-British zoologist George Albert Boulenger described the species in 1895 as Naia goldii. The specific name, goldii, is in honor of George Taubman Goldie, a Manx administrator in Nigeria. Goldie's tree cobra is one of the largest venomous snakes in Africa, measuring 2.2–2.7 metres (7.2–8.9 ft) in total length (including tail). The dorsal body color of this species is glossy black. It has a cylindrical body with a long, spiky tail, which makes the snake more adaptable to arboreal life. The head is small with exceptionally large eyes, giving the snake excellent eyesight. There are usually 15 rows of dorsal scales at midbody, though there are rare specimens that have 17 rows... Wikipedia →