It is not only the world’s largest venomous snake but also one of the most iconic and respected reptiles in the animal kingdom. With a potential length of up to 5.5 meters (18 feet), the king cobra’s size is formidable, and its ability to lift a significant portion of its body off the ground allows it to look a standing human in the eye.
Despite its imposing presence and potential for aggression, the king cobra’ is typically a cautious and reclusive species, preferring to avoid confrontations. When threatened or provoked, however, it can exhibit a fearsome display, extending its hood and emitting a growl-like hiss. If cornered or in the presence of perceived threats to its nest, the king cobra can become fiercely defensive and may strike with lethal efficiency.
King cobras are distributed across South and Southeast Asia, inhabiting a variety of environments, including dense highland forests, mangrove swamps, and bamboo thickets. These snakes strongly prefer areas close to water bodies, such as streams and ponds.
One of the most remarkable abilities of the king cobra is its capacity to deliver enough neurotoxin in a single bite to be lethal to an elephant or up to 20 people. However, such bites are exceedingly rare due to the snake’s tendency to avoid human interaction. Their venom is not only a means of self-defense but also an adaptation for hunting, as king cobras primarily feed on other snakes, including venomous species.
Distribution
Bangladesh
Bhutan
Brunei
Cambodia
China
Hong Kong
India
Indonesia
Laos
Malaysia
Myanmar
Nepal
Philippines
Singapore
Thailand
VietnamAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
