Samar Cobra. Spitting cobra from Philippines
The Philippines is home to many endemic animals. Reptiles are among them with 266 species being endemic to the Philippines out of 361 species in total. One of them is Naja samarensis. It has a few common names, such as the Southern Philippine cobra, but also as the Samar cobra or Peter’s cobra. Many local folks in Bohol take it for its close relative – the Philippine cobra (Naja philippinensis). The latter is also a species endemic to the Philippines, but is much better known.
Spitting cobra
A striking feature that differentiates it from the Philippine cobra, is its coloration. Unlike the light to olive brown color of the Philippine cobra, the Samar cobra displays a unique black and bright yellow coloration with its scales being black and the interstitial skin being yellow. The sides of its hood are yellow as well with the amount of yellow varying between individuals. This species can grow up to 1.4 meters in length and is also one of the few cobras that are capable of spitting (or rather spraying) venom when threatened. In captivity they can live up to 10 years or even more.
Philippine cobra or Samar cobra?
The Samar cobra can be found on the several Philippine islands. The species has been recorded in Bohol, Basilan, Camiguin, Dinagat, Leyte, Samar, Siquijor, and the Mindanao region. Therefore, it has a different distribution from the Philippine cobra that is mistaken for, which occurs in the north of the country. The Samar cobra inhabit mainly wild lowlands and highlands areas. What is more, it may even occur near residential or commercial areas where small prey are easily found. Their diet mainly consists of small rodents such as rats and mice. They are also known to prey upon frogs and smaller reptiles. Interestingly, a study by Ravalo and colleagues concluded that these animals could tolerate the powerful toxins of the invasive cane toad Rhinella marina after finding a partially digested toad in the guts of this species.
Toxic venom
This snake, like other cobra species, has extremely toxic venom. In terms of the medical importance, it is listed by WHO in category 1. Their venom is anecdotally said to have a level of neurotoxicity similar to that of the Philippine cobra. Consequently, it can cause rapid neuromuscular paralysis that leads to respiratory failure and death. Their venom when sprayed may also cause blindness if not properly flushed out. Currently no antivenom specific to the Samar Cobra is available. Our knowledge of the ecology, behaviour and population is lacking, which makes it difficult to understand. What we for sure know, however, is that the Samar cobra is dangerous if it attacks us.
For that reason, if you happen to be in the Philippine forests and meadows – be careful and watch your steps! Local folks also advise to always have a stick in hand. One needs to rhythmically tap the ground with it to let snakes know of our presence, making them avoid us.
Author: Francine Wagas USC’s student)