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King Cobra

Facts

  • King cobras are the world's longest venomous snakes
  • Can 'stand up' to look a human in the eye.
  • Its venom is a potent neurotoxin that can cause respiratory failure and death if untreated. Despite its danger, the king cobra’s venom is used in research for potential medical treatments
  • Despite their fearsome reputation, king cobras face threats from habitat loss and poaching. Conservation efforts are in place to protect these impressive snakes and their habitats

Where do they live?

Forests, bamboo thickets, mangrove swamps

What do they eat?

Other snakes, lizards, and small mammals

Species Endangered Level

Not Endangered
Threatened
Vulnerable
Endangered
Critically Endangered
Least Endangered
Most Endangered

Learn More!

The king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) is the longest venomous snake in the world, with individuals reaching lengths of up to 18 feet (5.5 meters), and in some cases even longer. This impressive size, combined with its potent venom, makes it one of the most formidable reptiles in the animal kingdom. The venom of the king cobra is a powerful neurotoxin that can lead to respiratory failure and death if not treated promptly. Despite its dangers, the venom is also of significant interest in medical research for its potential to develop treatments for various conditions.

A striking feature of the king cobra is its ability to expand the ribs behind its head to form a hood, similar to other cobras. This hooded display is a defensive behavior designed to intimidate potential threats and make the snake appear larger and more formidable. This visual signal is often accompanied by a distinctive hissing sound, which further serves as a warning to intruders.

King cobras primarily prey on other snakes, including other venomous species like pit vipers and kraits. They are also known to eat lizards and small mammals. Their diet and predatory behavior are reflected in their scientific name, "Ophiophagus," which means "snake-eater." These snakes are generally solitary and territorial, using scent trails and visual displays to communicate and defend their territory from rivals.

During the mating season, female king cobras exhibit a rare behavior among snakes: they build nests out of leaves and other debris. After laying their eggs, the female guards the nest until the eggs hatch, providing protection and ensuring the survival of her offspring. The king cobra’s wide distribution across Southeast Asia, including countries like India, China, Thailand, and Malaysia, allows it to inhabit diverse environments, from dense forests to grasslands.

Despite their impressive attributes, king cobras face significant threats from habitat loss and poaching. Conservation efforts are underway to protect these majestic snakes and their habitats, ensuring their survival for future generations. The king cobra remains a symbol of both the awe and respect that reptiles command in the natural world.

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