West African Banded Cobra
Naja savannula
Silhouette: V. Deepak · PhyloPic
- KingdomAnimalia (Animals)
- PhylumChordata (Chordates)
- ClassSquamata
- FamilyElapidae (Elapid Snakes)
- GenusNaja (Cobras)
- SpeciesNaja savannula (West African Banded Cobra)
About the West African Banded Cobra
The West African banded cobra (Naja savannula) is a species of cobra in the genus Naja that is found in West Africa. This species was previously thought to be identical to the forest cobra (Naja melanoleuca), but morphological and genetic differences have led to its recognition as a separate species. It differs from Naja melanoleuca and other forest cobras in having a series of 3–8 broad, semi-divided light bands across the anterior body.
Brownish black or black dorsally, with a series of 3–8 broad, cream-coloured crossbands, each partly divided by a narrow black crossband. Midbody dorsal scale rows 19, Ventrals 211–226, subcaudals 67–73. Maximum recorded length 223 cm
West Africa: primarily gallery forests in West African savannas and savanna woodlands; recorded from Senegal, Gambia, Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Togo, Benin, Niger, Nigeria, northern Cameroon and southern Chad. Wikipedia →
Recent sightings of West African Banded Cobra in Niokolo-Koba National Park
LIVEiNaturalistGlobal Distribution
Warmer areas are where this animal is recorded most often.
Parks Where Found
| # | Park | Country | Daily sighting probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Niokolo-Koba National Park | 🇸🇳 Senegal |
More parks will be added in future updates.
Quick answers
What are the chances of seeing a West African Banded Cobra in Niokolo-Koba National Park?
About 40% of wildlife watchers report a West African Banded Cobra sighting in Niokolo-Koba National Park, based on 8 verified sightings from GBIF citizen-science data.
When is the best time to see West African Banded Cobra in Niokolo-Koba National Park?
May has the highest sighting rate for West African Banded Cobra in Niokolo-Koba National Park in our monthly data.