King cobra - Revision history

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	The '''king cobra''' ('''''Ophiophagus hannah''''') is a [[Venomous snake\|venomous]] [[snake]] [[Endemism\|endemic]] to [[Asia]]. With an average length of {{cvt\|3.18\|to\|4\|m}} and a maximum record of {{cvt\|5.85\|m}},<ref name=mehrtens/> it is the world's longest venomous snake. ~~Coloration~~ of this species varies across [[habitats]], from black with white stripes to unbroken brownish grey. The [[monotypic\|sole member]] of the genus ''Ophiophagus'', it is not taxonomically a [[Naja\|true cobra]] despite its common name. The king cobra inhabits forests from [[South Asia\|South]] to [[Southeastern Asia]] where it preys chiefly on other snakes, including [[Cannibalism\|those of its kind]]. A female king cobra builds a nest to hold its eggs which will be protected throughout the [[incubation period]].		The '''king cobra''' ('''''Ophiophagus hannah''''') is a [[Venomous snake\|venomous]] [[snake]] [[Endemism\|endemic]] to [[Asia]]. With an average length of {{cvt\|3.18\|to\|4\|m}} and a maximum record of {{cvt\|5.85\|m}},<ref name=mehrtens/> it is the world's longest venomous snake. Colouration of this species varies across [[habitats]], from black with white stripes to unbroken brownish grey. The [[monotypic\|sole member]] of the genus ''Ophiophagus'', it is not taxonomically a [[Naja\|true cobra]], despite its common name and some resemblance. The king cobra inhabits forests from [[South Asia\|South]] to [[Southeastern Asia]] where it preys chiefly on other snakes, including [[Cannibalism\|those of its kind]]. A female king cobra builds a nest to hold its eggs which will be protected throughout the [[incubation period]].

	~~Resembling a true cobra, the~~ [[threat display]] of this [[elapidae\|elapid]] includes spreading its neck-flap, raising its head upright, making eye contact, puffing, hissing and occasionally charging. Despite its fearsome reputation, ~~it avoids confrontation with humans whenever possible. Altercations~~ usually only arise from ~~a cobra~~ inadvertently exposing itself or being chased; if~~, however,~~ provoked or cornered, it is capable of striking long in range and high in position. [[Snakebite\|Bites]] from this species ~~could involve a large quantity of~~ [[~~snakebite~~\|medically significant~~]] [[neurotoxicity\|neurotoxic venom~~]] which may ~~lead to~~ a rapid fatality unless [[antivenom]] is administrated in time.		The [[threat display]] of this [[elapidae\|elapid]] includes spreading its neck-flap, raising its head upright, making eye contact, puffing, hissing and occasionally charging. Despite its fearsome reputation, altercations usually only arise from an individual inadvertently exposing itself or being chased. However, if provoked or cornered, it is capable of striking long in range and high in position. [[Snakebite\|Bites]] from this species are [[Emergency department\|medically significant]] which may result in a rapid fatality unless [[antivenom]] is administrated in time.

	Threatened by [[habitat destruction]], it has been listed as [[Vulnerable species\|Vulnerable]] on the [[IUCN Red List]] since 2010. Regarded as the national reptile of [[India]], it has an eminent position in the [[mythology]] and folk traditions of [[India]], [[Bangladesh]], [[Sri Lanka]] and [[Myanmar]].		Threatened by [[habitat destruction]], it has been listed as [[Vulnerable species\|Vulnerable]] on the [[IUCN Red List]] since 2010. Regarded as the national reptile of [[India]], it has an eminent position in the [[mythology]] and folk traditions of [[India]], [[Bangladesh]], [[Sri Lanka]] and [[Myanmar]].
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	[[File:Baby king cobra front view.JPG\|thumb\|upright\|A captive juvenile king cobra in its defensive posture]]		[[File:Baby king cobra front view.JPG\|thumb\|upright\|A captive juvenile king cobra in its defensive posture]]
	The female is [[Gravidity\|gravid]] for 50 to 59 days.<ref name="Chanhome2011" />		The female is [[Gravidity\|gravid]] for 50 to 59 days.<ref name="Chanhome2011" />
	The king cobra is the only snake that builds a nest using dry leaf litter, starting from late March to late May.<ref name=Whitaker_al2013>{{cite journal \|author1=Whitaker, N. \|author2=Shankar, P. G. \|author3=Whitaker, R. \|year=2013 \|title=Nesting ecology of the King Cobra (''Ophiophagus hannah'') in India \|journal=Hamadryad \|volume=36 \|issue=2 \|pages=101–107 \|url=http://www.academia.edu/download/32064158/Whitaker_et_al_Nesting_Ecology_of_the_King_Cobra_(Ophiophagus_hannah)_in_India.pdf}}{{dead link\|date=July 2022\|bot=medic}}{{cbignore\|bot=medic}}</ref> Most nests are located at the base of trees, are up to {{convert\|55\|cm\|abbr=on}} high in the center and {{convert\|140\|cm\|abbr=on}} wide at the base. They consist of several layers and have mostly one chamber, into which the female lays eggs.<ref>{{cite book \|author1=Hrima, V. L. \|author2=Sailo, V. H. \|author3=Fanai, Z. \|author4=Lalronunga, S. \|author5=Lalrinchhana, C. \|year=2014 \|chapter=Nesting ecology of the King Cobra, ''Ophiophagus hannah'', (Reptilia: Squamata: Elapidae) in Aizawl District, Mizoram, India \|title=Issues and Trends of Wildlife Conservation in Northeast India \|pages=268–274 \|publisher=Mizo Academy of Sciences \|location=Aizawl \|editor1=Lalnuntluanga \|editor2=Zothanzama, J. \|editor3=Lalramliana \|editor4=Lalduhthlana \|editor5=Lalremsanga, H. T. \|isbn=9788192432175 \|chapter-url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/263008786}}</ref>		The king cobra is the only snake that builds a nest using dry [[leaf litter]], starting from late March to late May.<ref name=Whitaker_al2013>{{cite journal \|author1=Whitaker, N. \|author2=Shankar, P. G. \|author3=Whitaker, R. \|year=2013 \|title=Nesting ecology of the King Cobra (''Ophiophagus hannah'') in India \|journal=Hamadryad \|volume=36 \|issue=2 \|pages=101–107 \|url=http://www.academia.edu/download/32064158/Whitaker_et_al_Nesting_Ecology_of_the_King_Cobra_(Ophiophagus_hannah)_in_India.pdf}}{{dead link\|date=July 2022\|bot=medic}}{{cbignore\|bot=medic}}</ref> Most nests are located at the base of trees, are up to {{convert\|55\|cm\|abbr=on}} high in the center and {{convert\|140\|cm\|abbr=on}} wide at the base. They consist of several layers and have mostly one chamber, into which the female lays eggs.<ref>{{cite book \|author1=Hrima, V. L. \|author2=Sailo, V. H. \|author3=Fanai, Z. \|author4=Lalronunga, S. \|author5=Lalrinchhana, C. \|year=2014 \|chapter=Nesting ecology of the King Cobra, ''Ophiophagus hannah'', (Reptilia: Squamata: Elapidae) in Aizawl District, Mizoram, India \|title=Issues and Trends of Wildlife Conservation in Northeast India \|pages=268–274 \|publisher=Mizo Academy of Sciences \|location=Aizawl \|editor1=Lalnuntluanga \|editor2=Zothanzama, J. \|editor3=Lalramliana \|editor4=Lalduhthlana \|editor5=Lalremsanga, H. T. \|isbn=9788192432175 \|chapter-url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/263008786}}</ref>
	Clutch size ranges from 7 to 43 eggs, with 6 to 38 eggs hatching after [[incubation period]]s of 66 to 105 days. Temperature inside nests is not steady but varies depending on elevation from {{Convert\|13.5\|to\|37.4\|°C\|°F\|abbr=on}}. Females stay by their nests between two and 77 days. Hatchlings are between {{convert\|37.5\|and\|58.5\|cm\|abbr=on}} long and weigh {{convert\|9\|to\|38\|g\|oz\|abbr=on}}.<ref name=Whitaker_al2013/>		Clutch size ranges from 7 to 43 eggs, with 6 to 38 eggs hatching after [[incubation period]]s of 66 to 105 days. Temperature inside nests is not steady but varies depending on elevation from {{Convert\|13.5\|to\|37.4\|°C\|°F\|abbr=on}}. Females stay by their nests between two and 77 days. Hatchlings are between {{convert\|37.5\|and\|58.5\|cm\|abbr=on}} long and weigh {{convert\|9\|to\|38\|g\|oz\|abbr=on}}.<ref name=Whitaker_al2013/>

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	== Conservation ==		== Conservation ==
	The king cobra is listed in [[CITES Appendix II]]. It is protected in China and Vietnam.<ref name=iucn />		The king cobra is listed in [[CITES Appendix II]]. It is protected in China and Vietnam.<ref name=iucn />
	In India, it is placed under Schedule II of [[Wildlife Protection Act, 1972]]. Killing a king cobra is punished with imprisonment of up to six years.<ref name="TOIKC">{{cite news \|title=King cobra under threat, put on red list \|author=Sivakumar, B. \|website=[[The Times of India]] \|date=2012 \|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-07-02/chennai/32507498_1_longest-venomous-snake-king-cobras-iucn \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130201000438/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-07-02/chennai/32507498_1_longest-venomous-snake-king-cobras-iucn \|url-status=dead \|archive-date=2013-02-01}}</ref>		In India, it is placed under Schedule II of [[Wildlife Protection Act, 1972]]. Killing a king cobra is punished with imprisonment of up to six years.<ref name="TOIKC">{{cite news \|title=King cobra under threat, put on red list \|author=Sivakumar, B. \|website=[[The Times of India]] \|date=2012 \|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-07-02/chennai/32507498_1_longest-venomous-snake-king-cobras-iucn \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130201000438/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-07-02/chennai/32507498_1_longest-venomous-snake-king-cobras-iucn \|url-status=dead \|archive-date=2013-02-01}}</ref> In the [[Philippines]], king cobras (locally known as ''banakon'') are included under the list of threatened species in the country. It is protected under the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act (Republic Act No. 9147), which criminalizes the killing, trade, and consumption of threatened species with certain exceptions (like indigenous subsistence hunting or immediate threats to human life), with a maximum penalty of two years imprisonment and a fine of [[Philippine peso\|₱]]20,000.<ref>{{cite web \|title=Republic Act No. 9147 \|url=https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2001/07/30/republic-act-no-9417/ \|website=Official Gazette \|publisher=Republic of the Philippines \|access-date=26 March 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news \|title=How venomous is a king cobra and what should you do if you see one? Kuya Kim answers \|url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/scitech/content/865108/how-venomous-is-a-king-cobra-and-what-should-you-do-if-you-see-one-kuya-kim-answers/story/?just_in \|access-date=26 March 2023 \|work=GMA News Online \|date=26 March 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news \|last1=Garcia \|first1=Danilo \|title=5 King Cobra nakumpiska sa NBI entrapment \|url=https://www.philstar.com/pilipino-star-ngayon/metro/2021/12/23/2149615/5-king-cobra-nakumpiska-sa-nbi-entrapment \|access-date=26 March 2023 \|work=Pilipino Star Ngayon \|date=23 December 2021}}</ref>

	== Cultural significance ==		== Cultural significance ==
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	== External links ==		== External links ==
	~~{{Commons and category\|Ophiophagus hannah\|Ophiophagus_hannah}}~~
	~~{{Wikispecies\|Ophiophagus hannah}}~~
	* [https://www.thailandsnakes.com/cobras/king-cobra-venomous-deadly/ ''Ophiophagus hannah'' Research and Information]		* [https://www.thailandsnakes.com/cobras/king-cobra-venomous-deadly/ ''Ophiophagus hannah'' Research and Information]

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	{{About\|the snake \|\| King Cobra (disambiguation)}}		{{About\|the snake \|\| King Cobra (disambiguation)}}
	{{Distinguish\|Indian cobra}}		{{Distinguish\|Indian cobra}}
	~~{{pp\|small=yes}}~~
	{{Use dmy dates\|date=August 2021}}		{{Use dmy dates\|date=August 2021}}
	{{Speciesbox		{{Speciesbox

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	~~{{Source\|Wiki\|S}}~~
	==Other websites==		==Other websites==
	*[http://www.nationalgeographic.com/kingcobra/av/hiss.ram Real Audio format of a king cobra hissing]		*[http://www.nationalgeographic.com/kingcobra/av/hiss.ram Real Audio format of a king cobra hissing]
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	[[Category:Elapidae]]		[[Category:Elapidae]]
	[[Category:National symbols of India]]		[[Category:National symbols of India]]


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	== Parenting ==		== Parenting ==
	Unlike many snakes the female king cobra is very good parent. It makes a mound as a nest for its eggs and protects them for ~~60-90~~ days until they hatch. It lays 20-40 eggs. <ref name=Piper>{{cite book\|last=Piper\|first=Ross\|title=Extraordinary animals: an encyclopedia of curious and unusual animals\|year=2007\|publisher=Greenwood Press\|location=Westport, Connecticut\|isbn=0-313-33922-8}}</ref> The mother stays until the eggs begin to hatch and then leaves to find food for herself. Baby king cobras are {{convert\|18-22\|in}} and have venom as strong as adults.<ref name="VS"/>		Unlike many snakes the female king cobra is very good parent. It makes a mound as a nest for its eggs and protects them for 60–90 days until they hatch. It lays 20-40 eggs.<ref name=Piper>{{cite book\|last=Piper\|first=Ross\|title=Extraordinary animals: an encyclopedia of curious and unusual animals\|year=2007\|publisher=Greenwood Press\|location=Westport, Connecticut\|isbn=0-313-33922-8}}</ref> The mother stays until the eggs begin to hatch and then leaves to find food for herself. Baby king cobras are {{convert\|18-22\|in}} and have venom as strong as adults.<ref name="VS"/>

	== References==		== References==
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			{{Source\|Wiki\|S}}
	==Other websites==		==Other websites==
	*[http://www.nationalgeographic.com/kingcobra/av/hiss.ram Real Audio format of a king cobra hissing]		*[http://www.nationalgeographic.com/kingcobra/av/hiss.ram Real Audio format of a king cobra hissing]

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{{Speciesbox
| name = King cobra
| image = 12 - The Mystical King Cobra and Coffee Forests.jpg
| image_caption =
| status = VU
| status_system = IUCN3.1
| status_ref =<ref name="IUCN">{{cite iucn |title=''Ophiophagus hannah'' |journal=[[The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species]] |publisher=[[IUCN]] |author1=Stuart, B. |author2=Wogan, G. |author3=Grismer, L. |author4=Auliya, M. |author5=Inger, R. F. |author6=Lilley, R. |author7=Chan-Ard, T. |author8=Thy, N. |author9=Nguyen, T. Q. |author10=Srinivasulu, C. |author11=Jelić, D. |year=2012 |volume=2012 |page=e.T177540A1491874 |doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012-1.RLTS.T177540A1491874.en |url=https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/177540/1491874}}</ref>
| display_parents = 2
| genus = Ophiophagus
| parent_authority = [[Albert Günther|Günther]], 1864
| species = hannah
| authority = [[Theodore Edward Cantor|Cantor]], 1836
| range_map = Distribution O. hannah.png
| range_map_caption = {{legend|#c20000|border=1px solid #aaaaaa|Distribution of the king cobra}}
| synonyms =
Genus-level:
* ''Hamadryas'' <small>Cantor, 1836 (''non'' [[Jacob Hübner|Hübner]], 1804: [[junior homonym|preoccupied]])</small>
* ''Naja'' <small>Schlegel, 1837</small>
}}

The '''King cobra''' (''Ophiophagus hannah''), or ''hamadryad'', is in the [[Elapidae]] family of snakes. It is the longest [[venomous snake]] in the world. An adult King cobra can grow up to {{convert|18|ft}}, though most are less than {{cvt|12|ft}}.<ref name= "Encyclopædia Britannica">{{cite web |url= http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/123394/cobra |title=Cobra |publisher=Encyclopædia Britannica |accessdate=2010-10-10}}</ref><ref name="mehrtens">{{cite book |last= Mehrtens |first= John |title= Living snakes of the world |url= https://archive.org/details/livingsnakesofwo00mehr |year= 1987 |publisher= Sterling |location= New York |isbn= 0-8069-6461-8}}</ref>

The King cobra lives thoughout [[India]] and in some parts of the south and the east of [[Asia]]. It is known around the world for its dangerous [[venom]]. It mostly avoids [[human]]s.<ref name="VS">{{cite book |title= Venomous snakes of the world |author= O'Shea, Mark |isbn= 978-0-691-15023-9}}</ref> The King cobra lives up to 20 years.<ref name="NG">{{cite web |url= http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/reptiles/king-cobra/ |title=National geographic- KING COBRA |quote= They are fiercely aggressive when cornered; average life span in the wild: 20 years}}</ref>

The King cobra lives in thick forests,<ref name="mehrtens"/><ref name="miller">{{Cite journal |last= Miller |first= Harry |title= The cobra, India's 'good snake' |journal= National Geographic |volume= 20 |pages= 393–409 |date= 1970}}</ref> and likes areas dotted with lakes and streams.

It eats mostly [[snakes]] but sometimes [[lizards]] and [[rodents]].<ref name="SS"/><ref name="coborn">{{cite book| last=Coborn |first=John |title=The atlas of snakes of the world |publisher=TFH Publications |date=1991 |pages=30, 452 |isbn=978-0-86622-749-0}}</ref> After a large meal it may live months before eating again.<ref name="mehrtens" />

The [[mongoose|Indian grey mongoose]] is one of the few predators of the King cobra but may not attack them much.<ref name=Mondadori>{{cite book |editor= Mondadori, Arnoldo 1988 |title= Great book of the animal kingdom |place= New York |publisher= Arch Cape Press |page= 301}}</ref>

== Venom ==
The venom from a bite can be deadly. The snake can kill a man with a single bite.<ref name="SS">{{cite book |last= Capula |first= Massimo |author2= Behler |title= Simon & Schuster's guide to reptiles and amphibians of the world |url= https://archive.org/details/simonschustersgu00capu |year= 1989 |publisher= Simon & Schuster |location= New York |isbn= 0-6716-9098-1}}</ref> The mortality rate can be as high as 75% without [[antivenom]].<ref name= "SS"/><ref name="ophitoxaemia">{{cite web |title= Ophitoxaemia (venomous snake bite) |url= http://www.priory.com/med/ophitoxaemia.htm |accessdate= 2007-09-05 }}</ref><ref name ="thomas">{{cite web |url= http://www.seanthomas.net/oldsite/danger.html |title=Most dangerous snakes in the world |author= Sean Thomas |accessdate= 2007-09-05 }}</ref>

There are two kinds of [[antivenom]] that can be used to help when someone is bitten. Bites do not happen often, snake handlers are most likely to be bitten.<ref name="VS" />

== Parenting ==
Unlike many snakes the female king cobra is very good parent. It makes a mound as a nest for its eggs and protects them for 60-90 days until they hatch. It lays 20-40 eggs. <ref name=Piper>{{cite book|last=Piper|first=Ross|title=Extraordinary animals: an encyclopedia of curious and unusual animals|year=2007|publisher=Greenwood Press|location=Westport, Connecticut|isbn=0-313-33922-8}}</ref> The mother stays until the eggs begin to hatch and then leaves to find food for herself. Baby king cobras are {{convert|18-22|in}} and have venom as strong as adults.<ref name="VS"/>

== References==
{{Commons}}
{{reflist}}

==Other websites==
*[http://www.nationalgeographic.com/kingcobra/av/hiss.ram Real Audio format of a king cobra hissing]

[[Category:Elapidae]]
[[Category:National symbols of India]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:53, 2 July 2023
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	{{About\|the snake \|\| King Cobra (disambiguation)}}		{{About\|the snake \|\| King Cobra (disambiguation)}}
	{{Distinguish\|Indian cobra}}		{{Distinguish\|Indian cobra}}
	~~{{pp\|small=yes}}~~
	{{Use dmy dates\|date=August 2021}}		{{Use dmy dates\|date=August 2021}}
	{{Speciesbox		{{Speciesbox