Cobras general
Vergleich: Commons: in Lach. Naja. Haemachatus. Elaps. and Cloth.
Siehe: Schlangen allgemein + Mittel erkennen durch Erforschen Naturphenomenen:
[Dr. Farokh Master]
My interest began in the field of herpetology a few decades ago. About
15 years back I wrote a book, Naja Naja Naja which was well received
by the profession.
My interest didn’t stop there but only grew. My fascination towards the
snake Cobra was aroused due to its highly poisonous venom.
Hence my curiosity led me to wonder what symptoms this potentised toxic venom would produce in healthy human
beings. I selected the 3 most poisonous cobras namely,
Naja Haje, Naja Mossambica Pallida and Ophiophagus Hannah.
Even though all the 3 cobras are quite different from each other there is a
common theme running through the proving.
I was happy the day the proving was placed on my desk as I finally saw
my dream materializing.
Introduction
A cobra is a venomous snake belonging to the family Elapidae.
The name is short for cobra de capelo, which is
Portuguese for "snake with hood", or "hood-snake". When
disturbed,
most of these snakes can rear up and spread their neck (or hood) in a
characteristic threat display. Not all snakes referred to as cobras are of the
same genus, or even of the same family.
Cobra may refer to:
• Any member of the genus Naja, also known as
typical cobras (with the characteristic ability to raise the front quarters of
their bodies off the ground and flatten their necks in a
threatening gesture), a group of venomous elapids found in Africa and
Asia. Naja is a genus of venomous elapid snakes.
Although there are several other genera that share the common
name, naja are the most recognized, and most
widespread group of snakes commonly known as cobras. The genus Naja consists of from 20 to 22 species, but has undergone
several
taxonomic revisions in recent years, so sources vary greatly.
Habitat throughout Africa, the Middle-East, India, southeastern
Asia, and Indonesia.
• Any member of the genus Boulengerina, (=
water cobras), a group of venomous elapids found in Africa.
• Any member of the genus Aspidelaps, (=
shield-nose cobras or coral snakes) a group of venomous elapids found in
Africa.
• Any member of the genus Pseudohaje, (= tree
cobras) a group of venomous elapids found in Africa.
• Paranaja multifasciata
(= the burrowing cobra) a venomous elapid species found in Africa.
• Ophiophagus hannah
(= the king cobra) a venomous elapid species found in India and southern Asia.
• Hemachatus haemachatus
(= the spitting cobra or ringhals) a venomous elapid
species found in Africa.
• Micrurus fulvius
(= American cobra or eastern coral snake) a venomous elapid species found in
the southeastern U.S.
• Hydrodynastes gigas
(= false water cobra) a mildly venomous colubrid
species found in S. America.
• A taxonomic synonym for the genus Bitis (=
puff adders) a group of venomous vipers found in Africa and in the south of the
Arabian Peninsula.
Venom
All species in the genus Naja are capable of
delivering a fatal bite in a human being. Most species have strong neurotoxic venom, which attacks the nervous system, causing
paralysis,
but many also have hemotoxic features which
causes swelling, necrosis and has a significant anticoagulant effect. Several Naja species, referred to as spitting cobras, have developed
a specialized venom delivery mechanism, in which their front fangs,
instead of releasing venom through the tips, as a hypodermic needle, have a
rifled opening in the front surface,
which allows the snake to propel the venom out of the mouth. While typically
referred to as spitting, the action is more like squirting. The range and
accuracy with which they can
shoot their venom varies from species to species, but it is used
primarily as a defense mechanism. Once sprayed onto a
victim's skin, the venom acts as a severe irritant.
If it is introduced to the eye, it can cause a severe burning sensation
and temporary or even permanent blindness if not cleaned out immediately and
thoroughly.
Vorwort/Suchen. Zeichen/Abkürzungen. Impressum.