Naja arabica

(Scortecci, 1932)

Vernacular names
English : Arabian cobra
French : Cobra d’Arabie

Classification
Class : Reptilia
Order : Squamata
Family : Elapidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can reach about 2 meters in length, rarely more. Head big and slightly triangular. Black belly, head and last third of body with scales slightly brilliant. Rest of body orange to golden with dark edges on each scales.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in the Arabian Peninsula, from western and south Saudi Arabia to Yemen and parts of Oman. Lives in mesic habitats in dry mountains, from 1500 meters and above.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species has a fairly large range but the trend of its populations are unknown. It could be declining because of overexploitation.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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