King cobra

Largest living venomous snake reaching lengths of up to 5.7 meters or 8.5 feet

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King cobra

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Largest living venomous snake reaching lengths of up to 5.7 meters or 8.5 feet

Population

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

Country
Population est.
Status
Year
Comments
Bangladesh
2011
Bhutan
2011
Brunei
2011
Cambodia
2011
China
2011
Hong Kong
2011
India
2011
Indonesia
2011
Laos
2011
Malaysia
2011
Sarawak, Sabah, Peninsular Malaysia
Myanmar
2011
Nepal
2011
Philippines
2011
Singapore
2011
Thailand
2011
Vietnam
2011

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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