Found across Central Asia, from Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan to northern Iran, Afghanistan, and as far east as western India, this cobra is both feared and respected in the regions it inhabits. Unlike its more famous cousin, the Indian cobra, the Caspian cobra lives mostly in dry, rocky hills, scrublands, and semi-deserts, often close to water sources like oases or irrigation canals. Its ability to thrive in such harsh and rugged landscapes makes it stand out among other cobras.

The Caspian cobra is a large and powerful snake. Its appearance is somewhat plainer than the hooded spectacle cobras of South Asia: it has a more uniform brown, olive, or grayish body, sometimes with faint banding, and lacks the iconic spectacle mark on its hood. But don’t let its understated looks fool you—this is one of the most venomous cobra species in the world. Its venom is highly neurotoxic, capable of causing rapid paralysis, and it is considered medically the most dangerous cobra to humans. Because of this, the Caspian cobra has a formidable reputation in its native range.

Behaviorally, it is known to be nervous and defensive. When threatened, it raises the front part of its body, spreads its hood, and hisses loudly to intimidate attackers. If provoked further, it will strike repeatedly with precision. Unlike some cobras that prefer to retreat, the Caspian cobra is considered more likely to stand its ground, which only adds to its fearsome image. Despite this, like most snakes, it avoids humans whenever possible, and bites usually occur when people accidentally step on or attempt to handle it.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Afghanistan

2016

India

2016

Jammu-kashmir, Punjab

Iran

2016

Kyrgyzstan

2016

Pakistan

2016

Tajikistan

2016

Turkmenistan

2016

Uzbekistan

2016