KING COBRA
Ophiophagus hannah
DESCRIPTION
The King Cobra is the world's longest venomous snake, capable of reaching lengths of up to 5.6 meters (18.5 feet). It is known for its distinctive hood and potent neurotoxic venom, which it uses to subdue its prey.
FUN FACTS
- The King Cobra can deliver a lethal dose of venom in a single bite | It is the only snake that builds a nest for its eggs | King Cobras can sense the body heat of their prey
QUICK INFO
Lifespan20 years in the wild, up to 30 years in captivity
Average Weight6-9 kg
Average Length3-4 m
Diet TypeCarnivore
Social Structuresolitary, typically found alone except during mating season
Activity PatternDiurnal
Breeding SeasonSpring (March-May)
- Habitat
- King Cobras inhabit a variety of environments, including forests, grasslands, and mangrove swamps. They prefer areas with abundant cover and access to water.
- Biomes
- Tropical Rainforest, Temperate Forest, Grassland
- Native Range
- Southeast Asia, including countries like India, China, and Indonesia.
- Continent
- Asia
- Countries
- India, China, Indonesia, Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam, Malaysia, Philippines
- Diet
- King Cobras primarily feed on other snakes, including both venomous and non-venomous species. They are also known to consume lizards and small mammals occasionally.
- Diet Type
- Carnivore
- Favorite Food
- other snakes
- Social Structure
- solitary, typically found alone except during mating season
- Activity Pattern
- Diurnal
- Group Size
- 1
- Territorial
- 0
VU
LC
6-9 kg
Weight
3-4 m
Length
- Coloration
- olive green to black with yellow or white crossbands
- Sexual Dimorphism
- males are generally larger than females
- Lifespan
- 20 years in the wild, up to 30 years in captivity
- Offspring per Birth
- 15-30
- Sexual Maturity
- 3-4 years
- Breeding Season
- Spring (March-May)
LC
Least Concern
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The population is currently stable but faces threats from habitat loss and hunting.
- Wild Population Estimate
- unknown
- Population Trend
- Stable
- Endangered
- 0
- Threats
- Main threats include habitat destruction and illegal hunting for their skin and venom. They are also sometimes killed out of fear.
- Predators
- large birds of prey, monitor lizards
- Defense Mechanisms
- King Cobras can raise their bodies and spread their hoods to appear larger and more intimidating when threatened.
- Found in Zoos
- Uncommon