The African rock python is the largest snake found in the African rainforest. It can grow larger than 20 feet long. The python constricts its prey, breaking bones, cutting off air, stopping the heart and swallowing its victim whole after it dies. The African rock python eats large prey, such as crocodiles and antelopes. The royal python feeds on smaller animals, such as birds, and can grow larger than 6 feet long.
Vipers are poisonous snakes. The gaboon viper is the largest viper in Africa; it can grow longer than 6 feet. Also found in the African rainforests are the western bush vipers and the rhinoceros-horned vipers. The western bush viper is green in color and inhabits shrubs near the forest floor. The rhinoceros-horned viper lives on the forest floor and features distinctive horns on its nose.
Mambas are poisonous snakes. One type, the black mamba, is greatly feared in Africa. This snake is extremely fast and displays aggressive behavior. It can travel up to 12 miles per hour and will spring at its prey or what it perceives as a threat. After injecting its victim with venom, the snake will wait for it to die. The venom will kill a human within four hours. Mambas like to dwell in trees. Other types of mambas include the West African green mamba and Jameson's mamba.
One of the cobras found in the African rainforest, the Egyptian cobra (also known as the asp) is believed to have caused the death of Cleopatra. It is the most commonly used cobra among snake charmers. The forest cobra is one of the largest cobras in the world, second only to the king cobra found in Asia. The forest cobra can grow to more than 7 feet in length.
