King cobra: Difference between revisions

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]].

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 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>

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>