This species was included within Boulengerina until this genus was synonymized within Naja by Wüster et al. (2007), whose findings confirmed an arrangement first suggested by Nagy et al. (2005). Subsequently, Wallach et al. (2009) revived Bouleringina as a subgenus and expanded its content. Subspecies: Naja annulata annulata (Buchholz & Peters, 1876) is found in Gabon.

This species is globally considered Least Concern as it is widespread and most subpopulations appear to be healthy. Research into the impacts of harvesting at a local scale are recommended.

This species is widely distributed in Central Africa, from southern Cameroon and Gabon, and east to Lake Tanganyika (including all major rivers that drain into this lake) in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Tanzania and Zambia (Spawls et al. 2002, Broadley et al. 2003) and the northern tip of Lake Moeru (De Witte 1953). It has recently recorded from northeast Angola (Branch and Conradie 2013). Elsewhere, it is known from the northern drainage of the Congo Basin, ranging through the Central African Republic to Cameroon. There is a single record from Kinshasa, which may have originated from elsewhere (Thys van den Audenaerde 1965). It occurs up to 800 m asl.

In the lowlands of the range, the species is common. However in the eastern highlands of the species range it is considerably rarer. Overall the species has stable populations. There are some declines in the Congo River, associated with bycatch during fishing. There are anecdotal reports of population declines of this species in the southern tip of Lake Tanganyika (W. Branch pers. comm. 2014).

This mostly aquatic snake spends most of its time in the water, and is a very strong swimmer (Spawls et al. 2002). It is associated with lakes and rivers in forest and well-wooded savanna (Spawls et al. 2002, Broadley et al. 2003). It can rest underwater for more than 10 minutes, and can dive as deep as 25 m (Spawls et al. 2002). It appears to be active both day and night (Spawls et al. 2002). Animals may occupy shelter sites along banks and shorelines for long periods if not disturbed, and often use artificial cover along shorelines, bridges and jetties, and buildings (Spawls et al. 2002). It is oviparous (Spawls et al. 2002). So far, as is known, it feeds exclusively on fish, but it is possible that it may also take amphibians (Spawls et al. 2002).

This species is widely distributed across a range of aquatic habitats. It is subject to locally exploitation for food (e.g. Lake Tanganyika populations), which could result in localized declines (W. Branch pers. comms. 2014). The species is not otherwise likely to be threatened in west of the range by human activities, unless aquatic systems become severely polluted and affect its prey (Spawls et al. 2002).

This species is collected for food around Lake Tanganyika, mainly on the Congolese side (W. Branch pers. comm. 2014).

It is found in some protected areas in Cameroon and Republic of Congo. An assessment of the impacts of localized collection around Lake Tanganyika is recommended. Elsewhere, it is unknown whether any conservation measures are required.