The Kunene Coral Snake occurs throughout much of Namibia and into Angola. It averages 60 cm but may exceed 75 cm in length. It is a nocturnal snake that favours rocky areas in savanna and karoo scrub and is active at night. It is often seen crossing roads.
Full Name: Kunene Coral Snake (Aspidelaps lubricus cowlesi)
Other Names: Kunenekoraalslang; Kunene Shield Cobra, Kunene Skildkobra; Angolan Coral Snake
Classification: VENOMOUS
The Kunene Coral Snake occurs throughout much of Namibia and into Angola. It averages 60 cm but may exceed 75 cm in length. It is a nocturnal snake that favours rocky areas in savanna and karoo scrub and is active at night. It is often seen crossing roads.
Like the Cape Coral Snake, it will lift its head off the ground and form a narrow hood if cornered. It will then strike repeatedly while hissing and lunging forward.
The venom of this snake is poorly known but is believed to be dangerously neurotoxic and has caused human fatalities. Bites are also painful and with swelling. Victims need to be hospitalised urgently. There is no antivenom for the venom of this snake and treatment is symptomatic.
