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King Cobra
(Ophiophagus hannah)

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Introduction

King Cobras are the longest venomous snake on Earth reaching up to 5.5 metres long. They mainly feed on other snakes, including rat snakes, pythons, kraits, cobras, and even smaller king cobras making them a top reptile predator within its ecosystem.


Even though king cobras raise their front of the body, flatten their neck and give a typical classic cobra hooded threat display, they are not TRUE COBRAS from a taxonomic sense. One interesting fact about king cobras is that their hiss is a deep growl.

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Location & Venom

King cobras occur across South and Southeast Asia, including parts of India, southern China, the Malay Peninsula, Indonesia and the Philippines. They are often associated with forests, bamboo thickets, mangroves, agricultural edges and areas near streams, where humidity and prey availability are suitable.

 

The venom of a king cobra can cause severe local pain and swelling, tissue damage, neurotoxicity, descending paralysis and respiratory failure. Some bites can cause ptosis was and a large proportion of patients require ventilatory support.

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King Cobra open mouth

Behaviour

One of the most unusual facts about the king cobra is that the female builds and guards a nest. She pushes leaves and vegetation into a mound, where heat from decomposition helps incubate the eggs. Smithsonian notes clutches of about 21–40 eggs, with the female guarding the nest and becoming much more defensive during that period.

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king cobra in the wild

About the King Cobra

Young king cobras are venomous from birth and are usually more brightly patterned than adults, often with strong bands along the body. As they grow, their colour can vary widely depending on region, ranging from olive, brown, blackish or yellowish tones. Their size, intelligence, diet and defensive display make them one of the most recognisable snakes in the world.

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