False Water Cobra Natural History
Size
This is a large snake with some individuals reaching lengths exceeding 3 meters (10ft). However, most individuals reach around 2 meters (7ft). An average weight would be 1.6kg but they can reach 4.5kg. False Water Cobras exhibit dimorphism with males being much smaller than females.
Habitat and Distribution
This species prefers wet habitats such as marshlands and tropical rainforests but they do also inhabit, savannahs, scrublands and grasslands across much of South America. They can be found in countries such as Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Peru and Paraguay.
Diet
In the wild these snakes mostly feed on fish and amphibians but will also eat small reptiles, birds and mammals.
Threats
The False Water Cobra is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN with a stable population.
Interesting Facts
The false water cobra is so named because when it’s threatened it “hoods” like a true cobra does. However, it doesn’t rear up like a true cobra.
The False Water Cobra During Your Day Out at Wingham Wildlife Park
Wingham Wildlife Park is home to two False Water Cobras and they can be seen in the Reptile House alongside a wide variety of other reptile species.