Home › Reptilia › Elapidae › King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah)
SPECIES PROFILE
King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah)
Ophiophagus
IUCN STATUS
Vulnerable
CONSERVATION STATUS
Vulnerable
CLASS
Reptilia
GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE
Peninsular Malaysia, East Malaysia
DIET
Carnivorous
HABITAT
Rainforests, plantations
🔬 Classification
PHYLUM
Chordata
CLASS
Reptilia
ORDER
Squamata
FAMILY
Elapidae
GENUS
Ophiophagus
📋 Description
SIZE
3-4 m (up to 5.8 m), 6-10 kg
COLORATION
Olive-green to black; yellow bands
ADAPTATIONS
Hood for threat display; highly venomous
🌿 Ecology
HABITAT
Rainforests, plantations
DIET
Carnivorous
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
Peninsular Malaysia, East Malaysia
REPRODUCTION
20-40 eggs; female guards nest
DIET DETAILS
Snakes, lizards
⚠️ Threats & Conservation
PRIMARY THREATS
Habitat loss, persecution
💡 Interesting Facts
1
Venomous Monarchs: As the world's longest venomous snake, a single bite delivers enough neurotoxin to kill 20 humans or an elephant, paralyzing prey within minutes. Their iconic hood, flared during threat displays, warns off threats in Malaysia's jungles.
2
Dedicated Mothers: Unlike most snakes, female king cobras build nests from leaves and guard their eggs fiercely, a rare parental care trait that ensures hatchling survival. This behavior, observed in Taman Negara, highlights their unique role among reptiles.
🔭 Sighting Guide
📍 BEST PLACES TO SIGHT
Taman Negara National Park
Endau-Rompin National Park
Kuala Selangor Nature Park
🗓️ BEST TIME TO SIGHT
April-October. Dry season increases cobra activity in forests.
🎯 SIGHTING TIPS
Join guided night walks with herpetologists to spot cobras in dense foliage.
