.png)
Brown Forest Cobra
Naja subfulvaForest cobra of Tanzania is the Brown Forest Cobra — modern taxonomy clarified.
Sightings are never guaranteed and depend on local conditions. Follow your guide and respect park rules.
Naja subfulva of forest and moist savanna — historically grouped under Naja melanoleuca complex, now separated.
African Lion Quick Facts
What Is the Brown Forest Cobra?
For Tanzania, this page treats the forest cobra as the Brown Forest Cobra Naja subfulva. The name “Forest Cobra” has historically been used for members of the former Naja melanoleuca complex; modern taxonomy separates Naja subfulva from the narrower Naja melanoleuca concept, and Tanzania belongs to the current Naja subfulva range.
Habitat
- Forest, moist savanna and woodland
- Wooded savanna and agricultural landscapes where appropriate
The species can be partly arboreal but is not exclusively a tree snake.
Diet
Small mammals, birds, reptiles, fish and amphibians where supported.
Behaviour & Reproduction
Terrestrial with climbing ability, secretive and quick to retreat. Venomous and defensive when threatened. Oviparous. Selected references report 15–26 eggs and about 75–91 days incubation; these are source-dependent values requiring verification.
Safety on Safari
Prominent venomous-snake safety section: never approach, handle or corner. Tanzania is central to the page.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Brown Forest Cobra (Naja subfulva) is the Tanzania-relevant forest cobra, historically grouped under Naja melanoleuca but now separated by modern taxonomy.
Modern taxonomy places Tanzania in the Naja subfulva range; melanoleuca in the narrow sense does not apply unqualified to Tanzania.
Forest, moist savanna, woodland and wooded savanna, including agricultural landscapes and partly arboreal habitats.
Small mammals, birds, reptiles, fish and amphibians where supported.
Oviparous; selected references report 15–26 eggs and about 75–91 days incubation as source-dependent values.
Yes — a highly venomous cobra. Follow the safety section and never approach or handle.
Tanzanian forest and moist woodland mosaics; sightings are never guaranteed.
Related Wildlife
Explore more: Wildlife Guide • Serengeti • Tarangire • Lake Manyara
Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed and remain unpredictable. Follow your guide and site rules.
African Majestic Adventure — Established in 2019.
