Endangered Ark

King Cobra

Ophiophagus hannah

6 of Clubs

Art by Dark Natasha

http://www.darknatasha.com

natasha@darknatasha.com

USA

The King Cobra is found in southeastern Asia and the Phillipines. It can reach lengths of up to 16-20 feet but average at about 14 feet and are known as the longest venomous snakes of the world. The King cobra can raise itself up high enough to stare a 6 foot tall man in the eyes, something few would want to run across. Weighing at 13- 19 pounds and can live up to 20 years. Its genus name, Ophiophagus, literally means “snake-eater”, and its diet primarily consists of other snakes, including sizeable pythons and even smaller members of its own species. The venom of the King Cobra is primarily neurotoxic, and the snake is fully capable of killing a human with a single bite. Although its venom is not the most toxic one, a King Cobra’s size enables it to inject larger quantities of venom than most other species.

Although there have been reports of unprovoked attacks, they are extremely rare. Despite the King Cobra’s fearsome reputation and deadly bite, it is a shy and reclusive snake, avoiding confrontation with humans as often as possible. Almost all attacks by a King cobra are made when they are cornered, accidentally stepped on, or disturbed when some unfortunate creature ventures too close to their nest.

The head of the King cobra is short and flattened with a broad snout. Adults are an olive, brownish or a greenish yellow in color with the coloration becoming darker towards the tail region. The body is slender and tapering with the neck being capable of expanding into a small hood, flaring out from just below the head and extending downward for 6 to 8 inches. The large size of the King cobra is an important recognition factor. Other species of the King cobra may be found in India, China, and throughout the foothills around Nepal and the Himalayas.

The King Cobra is endangered due to loss habitat, killed for food, and medicinal purposes. There could, conceivably, come a time in the near future when it will be necessary for governments in Asia, Africa, and other areas where cobras are found, to enact legislation to protect these creatures from extinction.