King Cobra 168503 224107428 2008-07-07T10:07:13Z 77.195.119.248 {{Taxobox | name = King Cobra | status = LC | status_system = iucn3.1 | image = KINGCOBRA.jpg | image_width = 250 | regnum = [[Animal]]ia | phylum = [[Chordat|Chordata]] | classis = [[Reptile|Reptila]] | ordo = [[Squamata]] | subordo = [[Serpentes]] | familia = [[Elapidae]] | genus = '''''Opheophagus''''' | species = '''''O. hanmah''''' | binomial = ''Ophiophagus hannah'' | binomial_authority = [[Theodore Edward Cantor|Cantor]], 1836 | range_map = Distribution O. hannah.png | range_map_width = 250px | range_map_caption = {{legend|#c20000|border=1px solid #aaaaaa|Distribution of the King Cobra}} }} {{otheruses4|the snake|the malt liquor brand|King Cobra (malt liquor)|the movie|King Cobra (film)|the Marvel Comics character|Cobra (comics)}} The '''King Cobra''' (''Ophiophagus hannah'') is the world's longest [[venom (poison)|venomous]] [[snake]], growing to a length of 5.6 m (18.5 ft)<ref name="mehrtens"/> and a weight of up to 9 kg (20 lbs).<ref>{{cite web | title = National Geographic: King Cobra | url = http://www3.nationalgeographic.com/animals/reptiles/king-cobra.html | accessdate = 2007-09-05 }} </ref> This species is quite widespread, ranging throughout south-eastern Asia and into India. 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 [[Snake venom|venom]] of the King Cobra is primarily [[Neurotoxin|neurotoxic]], and the snake is fully capable of killing a human with [[snake bite|a single bite]].<ref name="SS"/> The mortality rate can be as high as 75%; but most bites actually involve non-fatal amounts of venom.<ref name="SS"/><ref name="ophitoxaemia"> {{cite web | title = Ophitoxaemia (venomous snake bite) | url = http://www.priory.com/med/ophitoxaemia.htm | accessdate = 2007-09-05 }}</ref><ref name ="thomas"> {{cite web | url = http://www.seanthomas.net/oldsite/danger.html | title = One most Dangerous Snakes in the World | author = Sean Thomas | accessdate = 2007-09-05 }}</ref> == Profile == The King Cobra is a large , powerfully-built [[snake]], averaging 3.6-4 m (12-13 feet) in length typically weighing about 6 kg (13.2 lb). The record-sized wild cobra was shot in the Nakhon Sritamart Mountains of south [[Thailand]] and was 5.6 m (18.5 ft). An even larger cobra was kept captive at the [[London Zoo]] and grew to 5.7 m (18.8 ft) before being euthanized upon the outbreak of [[World War II]] <ref>Wood, The Guinness Book of Animal Facts and Feats. Sterling Pub Co Inc (1983), ISBN 978-0851122359</ref> The skin is either olive-green, tan, or black and it has faint, pale yellow cross bands down the length of the body. The underbelly is cream or pale yellow, and the scales are smooth. The head of mature snake can be quite massive and bulky in appearance, though like all snakes, they can expand their jaws to swallow large prey items. It has [[proteroglyph]] dentition, meaning it has two short, fixed fangs in the front of the mouth which channel venom into the prey like hypodermic needles. The male is larger and thicker than the female. ==Habitat== Widespread, but not common, across South and [[Southeast Asia|South-east Asia]], It lives in dense highlands [[forests|forest]].<ref name="mehrtens"/><ref name="miller"/> The snake has a preference for living in areas dotted with lakes and streams. King Cobra populations have dropped in some areas of its range due to the [[Deforestation|destruction of forests]], but despite this the snake is not listed by the [[World Conservation Union|IUCN]] as in danger of becoming [[extinct]]. It is however listed as an Appendix II Animal within [[CITES]].<ref name="CITES">{{Cite web | title = CITES List of animal species used in traditional medicine | url = http://www.cites.org/eng/com/aC/17/E17i-05Rev.doc | accessdate = 2007-09-01 }} </ref> [[Image:Ophiophagus scalation.png|thumb|Scalation of the King Cobra]] ==Hunting== King Cobras, like other snakes, receive chemical information ("smell") via their [[forked tongue]]s, which pick up scent particles and transfer them to a special sensory receptor ([[Vomeronasal organ|Jacobson's Organ]]) located in the roof of its mouth.<ref name ="mehrtens"/> When the scent of a potential meal has been detected, the snake will continue to flick its tongue to gauge the prey's direction (the twin forks of the tongue acting in stereo); it will also rely on its keen eyesight (King Cobras are able to detect moving prey almost 100 m [300 feet] away), intelligence <ref>http://www2.philadelphiazoo.org/zoo/Meet-Our-Animals/Reptiles/Lizards-and-Snakes/King-Cobra.htm</ref> and sensitivity to earth-borne vibration to track its prey.<ref name ="Taylor"> {{Citation | last = Taylor | first = David | title = King Cobra | date = 1997 | url = http://www.nationalgeographic.com/kingcobra/index-n.html | accessdate = 2007-09-08 }}</ref> Following envenomation, the King Cobra will begin to swallow its struggling prey while its toxins begin the [[digestion]] of its victim.<ref name ="mehrtens"/> King Cobras, as with all other snakes, do not have rigidly fixed jaws. Instead, the jaw bones are connected by extremely pliable ligaments, enabling the lower jaw bones to move independently of each other.<ref name ="mehrtens"/> Like other snakes, the King Cobra does not chew its food, instead it swallows its prey . The expansion of the jaw enables the snake to swallow prey much larger than its head.<ref name ="mehrtens"/> King Cobras are able to hunt at all times of day, although it is rarely seen at night, leading most [[herpetologists]] to classify it as a [[Diurnal animal|diurnal]] species.<ref name="mehrtens"/><ref name="SS"/> ==Diet== The King Cobra's diet is mainly composed of other snakes ([[ophiophagy]]): both non-venomous snakes such as pythons and venomous snakes including [[krait]]s and [[Indian Cobra]]s.<ref name="SS"/><ref name="coborn"/> When food is scarce, King Cobras may also feed on other small vertebrates such as [[lizards]], birds, and rodents.<ref name="mehrtens"/><ref name="coborn"/> After a large meal the snake may live for many months without another one due to its slow [[Metabolism|metabolic rate]].<ref name="mehrtens"/><ref name="SS"/> ==Defense== [[Image:Ophiophagus hannah2.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Adult Male King Cobra]]If a King Cobra encounters a natural [[predator]], such as the [[mongoose]], which has some resistance to the neurotoxins,<ref name="zoltan"> {{cite web | title = Why the cobra is resistant to its own venom | author = Dr. Zoltan Takacs | url = http://zoltantakacs.com/zt/sc/naja.shtml | accessdate = 2007-09-05 }}</ref> the cobra will generally try to flee. If all else fails, it will flatten its upper body by spreading its [[ribs]], forming the distinctive cobra [[hood (anatomy)|hood]] about its neck, and emit a high-pitched hiss, sometimes with feigned closed-mouth strikes. These efforts usually prove to be very effective, especially since the cobra is indeed far more dangerous than other potential prey. ==Shedding== Like all species of snakes, King Cobras shed their skin, typically four to six times per year as adults and every month as juveniles. To get the skin to start to peel, the King Cobra will rub its snout against rough surfaces to encourage the shedding process. ==Venom== King Cobra's venom, which is composed mostly of [[proteins]] and [[polypeptides]], is produced in specialized [[salivary glands]] (as is the case with all venomous reptiles) just behind the animal's eyes. When biting its prey, venom is forced through the snake's half-inch (8-10 mm) fangs and into the wound. Although the venom is less toxic than that of some other venomous snakes, including the Indian Cobra, a King Cobra is capable of injecting more venom than most other serpents due to its large size.<ref name="freiberg"/><ref name ="encarta"/> A single bite from a King Cobra can deliver enough venom to kill a full-grown [[Asian Elephant]] within 3 hours if the larger animal is bitten in a vulnerable area such as the trunk. The [[Black mamba]] is almost as deadly as the Cobra, but the Cobra can kill people 5 times faster than the mamba.<ref name="oregon"> {{cite web | title = Venomous African Snakes | url = http://www.uoregon.edu/~astanton/snakes/africansnakes.htm | accessdate = 2007-09-05 }} </ref><ref name="geographic"> {{cite web | title = National Geographic: King Cobra | url = http://www3.nationalgeographic.com/animals/reptiles/king-cobra.html | accessdate = 2007-09-05 }} </ref> The King Cobra's venom is primarily neurotoxic and thus attacks the victim's [[Central nervous system|central nervous system]] and quickly induces severe pain, blurred vision, [[Vertigo (medical)|vertigo]], [[drowsiness]], and [[paralysis]].<ref name="freiberg"/> In the minutes following, [[Cardiovascular system|cardiovascular]] collapse occurs, and the victim falls into a [[coma]]. Death soon follows due to [[respiratory failure]]. There are two types of [[antivenin]] made specifically to treat King Cobra envenomations. The [[International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement|Red Cross]] in Thailand manufactures one, and the Central Research Institute in India manufactures the other, however both are made in small quantities, and are not widely available.<ref name ="MAVIN">{{cite web | title = Munich AntiVenom Index:Ophiophagus hannah | work = Munich Poison Center | publisher = MAVIN (Munich AntiVenom Index) | date = 01/02/2007 | url = http://www.toxinfo.org/antivenoms/indication/OPHIOPHAGUS_HANNAH.html | accessdate = 2007-09-02 }} </ref> Despite the King Cobra's fearsome reputation and deadly bite, it is a shy and reclusive [[animal]], avoiding confrontation with humans as often as possible.<ref name="coborn"/> There are other venomous snakes within this species' range, in fact, that are responsible for more fatal snake bites than the King Cobra, such as the [[Monocled Cobra]], [[Russell's Viper]] and [[Banded Krait]].<ref name="miller"> {{Citation | last = Miller | first = Harry | title = The Cobra, India’s "Good Snake" | journal = National Geographic | volume = 20 | pages = 393-409 | date = September 1970 | year = 1970 }} </ref> In [[Myanmar|Burma]], King Cobras are often used by female [[snake charmers]].<ref name="coborn"/> The charmer is usually tattooed with three pictograms using an ink mixed with snake venom; superstition holds that it protects the charmer from the snake.<ref name="coborn"/> The charmer kisses the snake on the top of its head at the end of the show.<ref name="coborn">{{cite book | last = Coborn | first = John | title = The Atlas of Snakes of the World | publisher = TFH Publications | date = October 1991 | location = New Jersey | pages = 30,452 | isbn = 978-0866227490 }}</ref> ==Reproduction== The mating season is January. Male King Cobras will physically confront each other and will wrestle while trying to stay upright.<ref name ="encarta"/> The snake which manages to keep the other's head down is the victor in this [[ritual combat]]. The purpose of the contest is to establish dominance in mating or territorial rights.<ref name ="encarta"/> King Cobras mate annually. The male snake seduces a female by sliding his body about over her, eventually tempting her into copulation. Prior to laying her eggs, the female uses her coils to gather material together such as branches, dead leaves and similar vegetation to construct a nest for the eggs. Cobras are the only snakes known to exhibit this behavior.<ref name="mehrtens"/><ref name="SS"/><ref name="freiberg">{{cite book |last= Freiberg|first= Dr. Marcos|coauthors= Walls |title= The World of Venomous Animals|year= 1984|publisher= TFH|location= New Jersey |isbn= 0876665679}} </ref><ref name ="encarta"> {{cite web |url= http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_701879342/King_Cobra.html#631509401 |title = MSN Encarta: King Cobra |publisher = MSN Encarta | accessdate = 2007-09-05 }}</ref> This can result in a simple clump or an elaborate two tiered construct where the female lays up to 50 eggs in the lower compartment and coils atop them in the upper chamber.<ref name="mehrtens"/> The female then remains atop the nest throughout the 60-80 day incubation period, while the male remains in the vicinity until the hatchlings emerge.<ref name="mehrtens"/><ref name="freiberg"/> Neonates are 45-50 cm (18-20 inches) long and banded in black and white.<ref name="mehrtens">{{cite book |last= Mehrtens|first= John||title= Living Snakes of the World |year= 1987|publisher= Sterling |location= New York|isbn= 0806964618}}</ref><ref name="SS">{{cite book | last = Capula | first = Massimo | coauthors = Behler | title = Simon & Schuster's Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of the World | year = 1989|publisher = Simon & Schuster | location= New York | isbn= 0671690981}}</ref> == Related species == The King Cobra belongs to the family [[Elapidae]]. There are over 200 species of elapid found around the world, excepting Antarctica and [[Europe]]. All are venomous and have short, fixed fangs (proteroglyphs), but may differ widely in habits, behaviour and appearance. Four better known species of the Elapidae are the [[Coral Snake]], [[Acanthophis|Death Adder]], [[Black Mamba]], and of course, the King Cobra. == Worship == The king cobra is worshipped as a divine deity especially in Tamil Nadu prominently. Many temples were built for the snake god and King Cobra is seen as the deity in representation to snake god. There is a semi urban city called Nagercoil in Tamil Nadu which derives its name from the temple built for the snake god. Nager(snake)Covil(temple) is a temple which still has a number of followers and they abhor killing a snake. ==Gallery== <gallery> Image:A03 2607 640x427.JPG|[[Saint Louis Zoological Park|St. Louis Zoo]] Image:Ophiophagus_hannah.jpg| Image:KingCobraFayrer.jpg| Image:KingCobra.jpg|South Indian King Cobra </gallery> ==Footnotes== {{Reflist}} {{Wikispecies|Ophiophagus hannah}} ==External links== *[http://www.nationalgeographic.com/kingcobra/av/hiss.ram Real Audio format of a King Cobra hissing] [[Category:Elapidae]] [[Category:Fauna of India]] [[Category:Reptiles of Asia]] [[Category:Fauna of Thailand]] [[Category:Reptiles of the Philippines]] {{Link FA|ml}} {{Link FA|th}} [[bg:Кралска кобра]] [[cs:Kobra královská]] [[de:Königskobra]] [[es:Ophiophagus hannah]] [[fr:Cobra royal]] [[ko:킹코브라]] [[id:Ular Anang]] [[it:Ophiophagus hannah]] [[he:רב פתן מלכותי]] [[ka:სამეფო კობრა]] [[lt:Karališkoji kobra]] [[hu:Királykobra]] [[ml:രാജവെമ്പാല]] [[ms:Ular Tedung Selar]] [[nl:Koningscobra]] [[ja:キングコブラ]] [[mr:नागराज]] [[no:Kongekobra]] [[pl:Kobra królewska]] [[pt:Cobra-real]] [[ru:Королевская кобра]] [[sl:Kraljeva kobra]] [[fi:Kuningaskobra]] [[sv:Kungskobra]] [[th:งูจงอาง]] [[vi:Rắn hổ mang chúa]] [[tr:Kral kobra]] [[zh:眼镜王蛇]]