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Rinkhals

Rinkhals is a small to medium-sized poisonous species of snake belonging to the elapid family, occurring in some regions of southern Africa. The snake is very closely related to the true cobras particularly due to its ability to spit venom.



    Kingdom Animalia
    Phylum Chordata
    Subphylum Vertebrata
    Class Reptilia
    Order Squamata
    Suborder Serpentes
    Family Elapidae
    Genus Hemachatus
    Scientific Name Hemachatus haemachatus


    Other Names Ringhals, Ring-necked Spitting Cobra
    Length Around 90–110 cm
    Weight 7 to 9 kg
    Color Varied colorations but, most of the specimens have a black body while some are striped; dark belly while the ventral side of the neck contains creamish, yellowish or white crossbands
    Distribution South Africa, western Swaziland
    Habitat Grassland, mountain, wetland, woodland
    Diet Toads, mammals, amphibians, other reptiles
    Hibernation Fact Undergoes hibernation
    Predators Eagles, mongoose, monitor lizards
    Venom Fact Neurotoxic and to some extent cytotoxic
    Breeding Season June – August
    Mode of Reproduction Ovoviviparous (producing young ones by means of eggs hatched inside the body of the parent0
    Litter Size 20 to 35; however,65 newborns are also recorded
    Gestation Period 5 to 6 months
    Reproductive Age 2 to 4 years of age
    Average Lifespan 20 to 25 years
    IUCN Conservation Status Least Concern

    Rinkhals Pictures Gallery

    Published on October 13th 2016 by under Snakes. Article was last reviewed on 4th June 2019.

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