April 6, 2010, Sarah and Rachel arrived in Egypt, for their expedition to find new snake species in Egypt, but their main focus to find a rumored new species of krait that is found in Egypt called Egyptian Krait (Bungarus aegypticus). they will be joined by a local snake herper lady named Samia Suhir (21).
After unpacking their belongings, unpacking their equipment, and getting ready for herping. The two herpers head out to start their herping adventure with their guide Samia.
Their first stop will be in Monghra Oasis.
After a long bumpy car ride through the desert, they arrive at their first destination: Monghra Oasis. The three herpers excitedly get of the car. Sarah and Rachel can hardly wait to start herping for the fabled Egyptian Krait, while Samia prepares her equipment for the upcoming herping session.
The Moghra Oasis is an uninhabited oasis in the northeastern part of the Qattara Depression in the Western Desert of Egypt.
Sarah and Rachel are amazed as they take in the breathtaking oasis landscape. The golden desert sands spread out as far as the eye can see, the sparkling turquoise waters of the oasis shining in the intense sunlight, the lush green vegetation and date palms swaying gently in the desert breeze.
"This is perfect place to look for snakes. No human populations, a lot of few vegetation and a brackish water lake and salt marshes." Samia said.
Sarah and Rachel agree, the oasis seems like a perfect spot for herping. They eagerly get ready to explore the oasis, their anticipation rising as they think about the potential new snake finds they might come across.
Then, they spotted a new cobra species called Green Cobra (Naja viridis) crawling out of the common reeds.
Sarah and Rachel excitedly point out the green cobra to each other. They quickly take out their cameras to photograph the beautiful cobra, their eyes shining with excitement at the discovery of a new snake species. Samia expertly approaches the cobra to get a closer look and take some shots.
The Green Cobra spread its hood.
Sarah and Rachel are careful not to get too close to the green cobra, respecting its defensive behavior. "Wow, what a beautiful snake." Sarah whispers, mesmerized by the cobra's striking green color and the unique pattern on its hood. Rachel snaps a few more photos, capturing the cobra's impressive display. Samia observes the cobra with a smile, admiring its natural beauty.
"That's a good size adult Green Cobra, 7 feet 2 inches long." Samia said. "It has 23 dorsal scales, 202 ventral scales and 75 subcaudal scales. It is found in Egypt, Sudan, Libya, Chad, Niger. Algeria, Mali, Senegal, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Ghane, It primarily inhabits deserts, oasis, rocky outcrops, forests and grasslands. It is a diurnal species feeding on rodents, lizards and amphibians."
Sarah and Rachel listen intently to Samia's detailed description of the green cobra, their admiration and respect for the animal growing. They are amazed by the cobra's wide distribution across many countries and its varied habitats. Sarah jots down some notes in her field notebook, while Rachel captures more photos of the striking cobra. "This species seems very adaptable," Sarah remarks.
Samia nods in agreement, "Yes, it is an interesting species. It is able to adapt to different environments and diets, which is why it has such a wide distribution."
"This cobra's venom is primarily neurotoxic and cardiotoxic venom, it can kill a person within 30 to 35 minutes if left untreated." Sarah said. "It is as dangerous as the Egyptian Cobra."
"That's right," Samia confirms. "The venom of this species is indeed highly toxic and dangerous. It's important to exercise caution when encountering any cobra, and to seek medical attention immediately if bitten." Sarah and Rachel nod in agreement, understanding the importance of proper safety around venomous snakes. They carefully observe the cobra, respecting its potential danger but appreciating its natural beauty.
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Sarah Higgins: The American Snake Herper
RandomSarah Higgins is a 20-year-old American snake herper who is a young herpetologist who specialized in snakes. She is on a quest to find and document new species of snake that hasn't been described or remained undiscovered.
