Page 24 - Intra Muros July Issue 2025

ESTATE EVENT

RINKHALS: A SOUTHERN AFRICAN SNAKE

he rinkhals (Hemachatus Why? While rinkhals snakes do bear a its ground, forming a hood (like a cobra)
haemachatus), also known as the great resemblance to true cobras, they also to appear larger and more intimidating. It
Tringhals, is a species of venomous possess remarkable differences from them, will also spit venom in the direction of the
snake in the Elapidae family. resulting in their placement outside the threat.
genus Naja.
In 2023, researchers documented the If the hood and spitting don’t deter the
existence of a new African spitting cobra On the one hand, rinkhals share characteristics threat, the rinkhals may resort to playing
species, named the Nyanga rinkhals with true cobras such as spitting venom and dead. It will roll onto its back, open its
(Hemachatus nyangensis). They had displaying a hood, but they differ enough to mouth and may even let its tongue hang
examined a museum specimen and be classified separately. The most important out, appearing lifeless. If picked up, it may
discovered what they believed to be a difference is that rinkhals give birth to live remain limp or it may suddenly strike,
new, potentially extinct species of ring- young, whereas most true cobras lay eggs. highlighting the deceptive nature of this
necked spitting cobra, or rinkhals, that behaviour.
once lived in Zimbabwe. The other differences are anatomical; for
instance, rinkhals have keeled scales, which It is thought that this behaviour is a result
The researchers say the new species gives them a rougher appearance, whereas of the rinkhals evolving with baboons as a
represents “an old and highly distinct true cobras have smooth scales. The rinkhals major predator.
lineage” and demonstrates what they are thus a good example of parallel evolution
call the “power of museum genomics with cobras. Snakebites
in revealing rare and even extinct The venom of this snake is largely cytotoxic,
species”. The species is native to the Rinkhals are common snakes on the Highveld, meaning it damages cells and tissues.
Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe, but it is especially on smallholdings with suitable It is also neurotoxic, causing a range of
considered to be extinct, having not been grasslands and wetlands. They are partial to local and systemic effects. Locally, it can
seen alive for over two decades. toads but will also feed on rodents, lizards, lead to pain, swelling, blistering and
birds and their eggs, and other snakes, tissue damage. Systemically, it can cause
This makes Hemachatus an endemic playing an important role in pest control and breathing difficulties and, in severe cases,
genus to Southern Africa, meaning it is in maintaining a balanced ecosystem. death, particularly in smaller dogs.
found only in South Africa, eSwatini and
Lesotho. Defence tactics However, bites are extremely rare and
The rinkhals is known for its interesting fatalities are virtually unheard of. Polyvalent
It is not a true cobra in that it does not defensive behaviour. When surprised, it will antivenom is effective for rinkhals bites but
belong to the genus Naja but instead quickly retreat, either into the grass or a hole. is rarely necessary, especially in cases of
belongs to the genus Hemachatus. However, if feeling threatened, it will stand mild envenomation.

22 | INTRAMUROS JULY 2025