There are kills and then there are kills. Some are more obvious than others: lions killing buffalo, cheetah ambushing antelope. Then there are the ‘smaller kills’. This means smaller species engaged in predator-prey interactions.
Here, a Snouted Cobra captured and devoured a Monitor Lizard. The incredible moment did not go unnoticed by Andre, who captured it on film.
Cobra devours prey in view of spectators
The Snouted Cobra preys primarily on rodents, birds, toads, and other snakes, including the Puff Adder. It also preys on lizards, as in this instance.
The snake as a species is not typically aggressive. It will defend itself when threatened by raising its body and displaying a striking hood. It can also grow to over 2,5m in length!
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Its colour generally varies in shades of brown, although some individuals feature broad bands of light brown and purplish-black along their backs.
Here, the snake used its camouflage and stealth to catch an unsuspected likkewaan lizard. The lizard was left paralysed by the snake’s venom, which contains both neurotoxic and cytotoxic components. This potent combination gives the venom the power to lead to extensive tissue damage.
With the lizard firm in its grip and overcome by poisonous venom, the snake proceeded to devour the lizard.
Snake successfully paralyses likkewaan
The likkewaan, or Nile Monitor, is one of Africa’s largest and most fascinating reptiles. It can reach lengths of up to 2,4m, making it the largest lizard species in Africa.
Despite its impressive size, it is surprisingly agile, and capable of climbing trees with ease. This is where it met its fate when it crossed paths with a hungry Snouted Cobra.
The tree set the stage for the unusual and rare sighting. Andre managed to get his camera lens up close to capture the full spectacle of the moment.
Equipped with razor-sharp claws and strong, muscular jaws, the likkewaan is built for both offense and defense. Their backward-curved teeth help them grip and tear apart slippery prey such as fish and amphibians.
These features also make them skilled diggers and formidable opponents when threatened.
However, the snakes venom proved too much and the likkewaan hadn’t managed to defend itself in time.
Snouted Cobras will rely on their keen sense of smell and sight to detect prey. Moving slowly and silently, they will approach with caution to avoid alerting their target.
This one must’ve executed a faultless strategy to have caught such a relatively large prey.
Likkewaan feeds on lizard
Once within striking distance, the cobra will launch a rapid strike, delivering venom through its hollow fangs. The potent venom allows the cobra to subdue even larger or dangerous animals like other snakes (including venomous ones, like Puff Adders).
In this instance, its venom was powerful enough to subdue a lizard as large as this massive likkewaan.
Once the prey is dead or immobilised, the cobra will swallow it whole, head-first. Its flexible jaws and expandable body allow it to consume animals much larger than its head.
While this likkewaan might have caused indigestion for many, the snake was well able to consume it and enjoy the feast!
