Rinkhals

Hemachatus hemachatus

Geographical Locale

• Found predominantly in Southern and South-Western Cape, Orange Free State, Lesotho, Transkei, Kwazulu Natal, Swaziland and South-Eastern Transvaal. Small numbers have also been found on the Zimbabwe/Mozambique borders.

Appearance

• Colours do vary but are generally brown to browny-black on the top with irregular spotting/banding in lighter browns or creams.
• Distinctive dark belly with two lighter stripes/bands round the neck.
• Adults reach an average of 90cms to 120cms but have been known to reach 150cms in length.
• The Rinkhals is a true ‘spitter’ and can spray its venom up 2.5m from it
• Short, pointed head with large black eyes.

Venom

• The venom is neurotoxic.
• Rinkhals’ usually aim at the face causing terrible pain, and possible blindness, if the venom comes in to contact with the eye.

The Bite

• Swelling around the bite wound.
• Bruising in many cases.

Lifecycle

• Unlike other Cobras the Ringhals is Viviparous – gives birth to live young.
• Average size of a new born is 15 to 18 cms in length.
• Ringhals’ give birth to an average of 20 and 30 young at a time.
• Young shed their skin within an hour of birth.
• New born Ringhals’ have the same colourings and distinct bands round their neck as adults; they are also, from birth, able to rear up and spit venom.

Habits

• Prefers to live in grasslands but easily adapts to conditions found at sea level and high altitudes.
• Nocturnal – but known to bask in the sun during the day.
• Diet is primarily toads but if these are short as a source of food they will also prey on small mammals and reptiles and other amphibians.
• If cornered the Ringhals has the amazing ability to ‘play dead’; rolling on to its back, going completely limp, with it’s mouth open and tongue lolling out!