Hemachatus haemachatus Bonnaterre, 1790

Colouration Variability

The colouration of the rinkhals (Hemachatus haemachatus) varies across its distribution range.

Consistent Belly Markings

A consistent species characteristic is a dark belly marked with one or two light-coloured crossbands on the throat.

Size Range

Most individuals reach a total length of 90–110 cm (35–43 in) including the tail.

Body Pattern Morphs

Some rinkhals have an almost entirely black body, while others display striped patterning.

Dorsal Scale Trait

Its dorsal scales are keeled, which distinguishes them from the dorsal scales of cobras in the genus Naja.

Dental Trait Difference From Naja

Like many other traits, the rinkhals also differs from Naja cobras in that it lacks solid teeth on the maxilla.

Core Distribution Range

This species is distributed from the Western and Eastern Cape provinces of South Africa, northeastward through the Free State, Lesotho, KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa), Western Eswatini, Mpumalanga, and parts of Gauteng (South Africa).

Isolated Border Population

There is an isolated population centered on Inyanga at the Zimbabwe-Mozambique border.

Isolated Population Status

No recent records exist for this isolated population, so researchers suspect it is likely extinct.

Preferred Habitat Type

Rinkhals generally prefer grassland habitats, which occur from the coast up to altitudes of 2,000 m (6,600 ft).

Regional Habitat Abundance

They are extremely common on the Highveld and in the grasslands of KwaZulu-Natal.

Wetland Habitat Association

Because the species naturally preys on frogs and toads, it is also frequently found near wetlands within its range.

Reproductive Mode

Unlike Naja cobras, the rinkhals is ovoviviparous: it does not lay eggs, and instead gives birth to live young.

Litter Size Range

Typical litters contain 20 to 30 live young, though some females can produce litters of over 60 live young.

Birthing Period

Rinkhals typically give birth in late summer, which falls between December and March in the southern hemisphere.