West African banded cobra
The West African banded cobra (Naja savannula) is a species of cobra in the genus Naja that is found in West Africa.
| West African banded cobra | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Elapidae |
| Genus: | Naja |
| Subgenus: | Boulengerina |
| Species: | N. savannula |
| Binomial name | |
| Naja savannula (Broadley, Trape, Chirio & Wüster in Wüster et al., 2018) | |
This species was previously thought to be identical to the forest cobra (Naja melanoleuca), but morphological and genetic differences have led to its recognition as a separate species.[2] It differs from Naja melanoleuca and other forest cobras in having a series of 3–8 broad, semi-divided light bands across the anterior body.
Description
Brownish black or black dorsally, with a series of 3–8 broad, cream-coloured crossbands, each partly divided by a narrow black crossband. Midbody dorsal scale rows 19, Ventrals 211–226, subcaudals 67–73. Maximum recorded length 223 cm [2]
Distribution
West Africa: primarily gallery forests in West African savannas and savanna woodlands; recorded from Senegal, Gambia, Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Togo, Benin, Niger, Nigeria, northern Cameroon and southern Chad.[2]
References
- Chirio, L.; Gonwouo, N.L. (2021). "Naja savannula". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2021: e.T133836145A133836160. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-1.RLTS.T133836145A133836160.en. Retrieved 18 November 2021.
- "Integration of nuclear and mitochondrial gene sequences and morphology reveals unexpected diversity in the forest cobra (Naja melanoleuca) species complex in Central and West Africa (Serpentes: Elapidae)". Zootaxa. Magnolia Press. Retrieved 28 December 2020.