Context:
In ground-breaking research, well-known wildlife biologist from Agumbe has proved that king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) the longest venomous snake in the world, has four different species.
Relevance:
GS III: Species in News
King Cobra
Scientific Classification and Description
- The king cobra was named Ophiophagus hannah by Theodore Edward Cantor in 1836. The genus name Ophiophagus translates to “snake-eater,” reflecting its diet.
- King cobras are distinguished from other cobras by the presence of 11 large scales on the crown of their head. They are the world’s largest venomous snake.
Behavior and Ecology
- Primarily preys on other snakes, making it a specialized hunter. Its active hunting behavior occurs both during the day and at night.
- Capable of delivering a significant amount of neurotoxic venom in a single bite—enough to kill up to 10 people or even an elephant. The venom affects the respiratory centers in the brain, leading to respiratory arrest and potential cardiac failure.
- Notable for being the only snake species to build nests for their eggs, which are aggressively guarded by the female. The nest dimensions are typically about 4 feet by 3 feet.
Species Differentiation Recent studies have identified four distinct species of king cobras:
- Ophiophagus kaalinga: Found in the Western Ghats of southwestern India; characterized by having fewer than 40 bands on its body.
- Ophiophagus hannah: Widespread across northern and eastern India, the Andaman Islands, eastern Pakistan, Indo-Burma, Indo-China, and Thailand, with 50 to 70 bands.
- Ophiophagus bungarus: Inhabits the Malay Peninsula, the Greater Sunda Islands, and parts of the southern Philippines, featuring more than 70 bands.
- Ophiophagus salvatana: Native to Luzon in the northern Philippines, this species lacks bands.
Conservation Status
- IUCN: Listed as Vulnerable, indicating it faces a high risk of extinction in the wild.
- CITES: Included in Appendix II, suggesting that although not necessarily threatened with extinction, the species must be controlled in trade to avoid utilization incompatible with their survival.
Threats
- Habitat Destruction: Loss of forest habitats due to logging, agricultural expansion, and urban development significantly impacts their survival.
- Exploitation: King cobras are threatened by hunting for their skin, use in traditional medicines, consumption as food, and international pet trade.
-Source: The Hindu
