What two main classes of toxins comprise the potent venom of the Cape Cobra?
Neurotoxins and cardiotoxins
The dangerous nature of the Yellow Cobra's venom stems from its complexity, being a sophisticated cocktail rather than relying on a single component for its fatality. The primary dangerous components include neurotoxins, which specifically target and attack the nervous system, leading to critical symptoms such as difficulty speaking, blurred vision, drooping eyelids, and ultimately potentially fatal respiratory paralysis if medical intervention is not received promptly. Alongside these are cardiotoxins, which exert their effect by directly attacking and damaging the heart muscle tissue. This dual action mechanism contributes significantly to why the venom is ranked among the most dangerous found in African snakes.

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Cape Cobra (Naja nivea) | Herping South Africa - Montagu - YouTube