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Ophiophagus hannah (Cantor, 1836)
| Family Name: | Elapidae |
| Taxonomic Group: | Vertebrates (Reptile) |
| Common Name: | King Cobra |
Name
Description
| Size | To 5.8 m TL |
|---|---|
| Description | Body long but stout, head fairly broad with stretchable fold of skin on both sides of neck. Adults brown or olive above with dark-edged scales; throat orange with dark markings; underside greyish. Juveniles black above with narrow yellow or white bands. |
Ecology, Habitat & Location
| Ecological Notes | This mainly terrestrial and diurnal snake occurs in forest and scrubland. Other snakes and monitor lizards form the bulk of its natural diet. The female lays her eggs in a specially constructed nest of vegetation and guards these until they hatch. It has very potent neurotoxic venom. |
|---|---|
| Habitats | Forest, Terrestrial |
| Distribution | Recorded from the Central Catchment Nature Reserve, Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Kranji, Sentosa and Pulau Tekong. The species is widespread from India to southern China and over Southeast Asia. |
| Nature Reserves | Central Catchment Nature Reserve, Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve |
| Nature Areas | Pulau Tekong |
Conservation
| Trends & Threats | Mainly habitat degradation. Also threatened by human persecution and collection. |
|---|---|
| Scientific Interest & Potential Value | This is the largest venomous snake in the world, and one of the most dangerous. The skin can be used for leather products like belts and wallets. The venom is sought after for anti-venom research. The adult King Cobra makes an impressive zoo exhibit. As some people believe that the venom and certain parts of this snake have medicinal properties, it is also collected for food. |
| Conservation Notes | Continued habitat protection and management in the nature reserves, and strict policing against illegal collection or killing. |
Status
| Species Status | Native |
|---|---|
| Conservation Status | Rare |
| Singapore Red Data Book Status | Endangered (EN) [2008], Vulnerable (V) [1994] |
Photos
References
| References | Baker, N. & Lim, K. 2008. Wild animals of Singapore. Singapore: Draco Publishing and Distribution Pte Ltd. 180pp Davison, G.W.H., Ng, P.K.L. & Ho, H.C (Eds.). 2008. The Singapore Red Data Book (2nd Edition). Singapore: Nature Society (Singapore). 285pp Ng, P.K.L. & Wee, Y.C. (Eds.). 1994. The Singapore Red Data Book (1st Edition). Singapore: Nature Society (Singapore). 343pp |
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