25/05/2026
The King Cobra is the world’s longest venomous snake, capable of reaching over 5.5 meters (18 feet) in length. Despite the name, it is not a true cobra of the Naja genus.
Key facts
Scientific name: Ophiophagus hannah
Meaning of name: “Snake-eater” — it primarily eats other snakes
Habitat: Forests, bamboo thickets, mangroves, and grasslands across India, Southeast Asia, southern China, and Indonesia
Venom: Powerful neurotoxic venom that attacks the nervous system
Behavior: Usually shy and avoids humans, but highly defensive when threatened
Distinctive feature: Raises up to one-third of its body and spreads a hood when confronting danger
Interesting traits
It is one of the few snakes that builds a nest for its eggs.
Its hiss is unusually deep, often compared to a growl.
Young king cobras are just as venomous as adults.
Conservation
The species is considered vulnerable in some regions due to habitat loss and illegal wildlife trade.
