Royjan Taylor (right) and a colleague inspect an Ashe's spitting cobra (Naja ashei) at the Bio-Ken Snake Farm in Watamu, Kenya.

Previously the snake was believed to be a brown-skinned version of the black-necked spitting cobra. Thanks to the new identification, announced December 7, 2007, snake experts say that they will have an easier time developing antivenin for Naja ashei bites.

The reptile is not believed to be endangered. But Taylor said that it is threatened by human encroachment and that conservation efforts must be made.

"Although I am a naturalist and conservationist who is passionate about all wildlife, my heart goes out to the reptiles that are often misunderstood—especially snakes."

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