The Southern Cobra, one of the most dangerous snake species in Africa with deadly venom, can swallow its prey in just a few minutes.
The Southern Cobra swallowing its prey in minutes. (Photo: Karsten Vollmer).
Tourist Karsten Vollmer captured footage of a Southern Cobra eating while visiting Addo Elephant National Park, Latest Sightings reported on April 28. “We were driving towards Hapoordam looking for elephants when my wife spotted a strange-looking snake on the road. I turned the car around and was amazed to find it was a Southern Cobra. It was consuming another snake,” he recounted.
“We were astonished by the power and agility of the cobra as it devoured the other snake. We also noticed it was quite agitated by our presence and quickly vanished into the bushes after finishing its meal,” Vollmer added.
The predator hides in the bushes after eating. (Photo: Karsten Vollmer)
The Southern Cobra (Naja nivea), also known as the Cape Cobra, is renowned for its lethal venom and is considered one of the most dangerous snake species in Africa. They are quite aggressive and will raise their bodies and expand their necks when threatened.
The venom of the Southern Cobra is extremely potent and this species is responsible for many fatalities each year. Nevertheless, they play a crucial role in their ecosystem. They consume a wide variety of prey, including rodents, birds, and other snakes.
Interestingly, the Southern Cobra has a particular preference for other snake species and is willing to eat them, including venomous snakes like Bitis arietans – a species from the viper family. Southern Cobras frequently engage in confrontations with other snakes, often resulting in the death of their opponents. Experts do not fully understand the reasons for this behavior, but it is likely a strategy to reduce competition for resources.
