King Cobra.... The Reptile Royalty

The king cobra is the world's largest venomous snake Thats why people name it as the King of reptiles. Its venom is so strong and powerful that huge African elephants have been reported to die within three hours of a bite on the toe or trunk.

King cobras are found in olive-yellow to brownish black colours. Sometimes they have lighter stripes across the back. Like other cobras, the king cobra is best known for its unique 'threat display'. When you try to intrude with it or disturb it , it raises its head and flares its narrow, unmarked hood. This shows its yellow or red throat, which has also coloured bands or stripes across.

The king cobra is known to raise its head to a third of its full length. It also had the unique ability to move forward while keeping its head high upright. It is very curious by nature and often sits upright to see farther. Some people consider it as the most intelligent species of all snakes.

A fierce upright  cobra trying to take a far view around it

The king cobra hunts in forests, fields, and villages. It also loves to eat other snakes. According to the experts the king of reptiles normally does not like to bite or tangle with people.
People in Thailand love to keep it as a pet in their homes. It has been reported to act aggressively in captivity, especially towards the strangers. On the other hand  it recognizes its keeper very well and knows when it is mealtime. However, it can become dangerous during the mating season or when cornered or startled.

baby cobra just after being hatched

The female cobra builds a nest of leaves, soil and other forms of jungle litter for laying eggs. It is very expert in using the loop of her body as an arm. She pulls leaves, soil, and ground litter into a mound. In this nest she lays 20 to 40 eggs and then coils above or near the eggs for about two months and defends them     fiercely.

If you are eager to meet a king Cobra in its natural habitat, you may find one in parts of Asia from Southern China to the Philippines, Indonesia, and India.


Some more types of Snakes....