Types of rinkhals

Hemachatus is a small genus in the family Elapidae, the group that also holds true cobras, mambas, coral snakes, and sea snakes. It has long been treated as a single species, the rinkhals (Hemachatus haemachatus), and recent work recognizes a small number of distinct forms within it, such as the widespread common rinkhals and the localized Nyanga rinkhals. The genus is closely related to the true cobras (Naja) and shares their iconic defensive hood, but it sits on its own branch. The most telling difference is that Hemachatus has strongly keeled, ridged body scales rather than the smooth scales of true cobras, and it gives birth to live young instead of laying eggs.

Rinkhals are found in southern Africa, centered on South Africa and reaching into nearby highland regions including parts of Zimbabwe and Lesotho. They favor cooler, moist grasslands, montane areas, marshy ground, and the edges of farmland, often at higher elevations than many true cobras tolerate. In general appearance a rinkhals is a medium-sized snake, commonly a little over one meter long, dark above with one or two pale bands across the throat that show clearly when it rears and spreads its hood. The name comes from these neck rings. Diet runs to toads, frogs, small mammals, and other snakes, and the female bears live litters rather than laying a clutch.

The rinkhals is venomous and is a spitting elapid, capable of ejecting venom forward toward a perceived threat, with the eyes a frequent target. It is also famous for a dramatic death-feigning display, rolling onto its back with mouth open when cornered. Venom in the eyes causes intense pain and can damage sight, and a bite is a medical emergency. Do not approach, corner, or attempt to handle a wild rinkhals or any cobra-like snake, and wear eye protection only if you must be near one for work reasons. If venom reaches the eyes, flush gently with clean water and seek care at once. For any bite or eye exposure, contact emergency services immediately, and in the US you can also reach Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.