Home › Reptilia › Elapidae › Indian Cobra (Naja naja)
SPECIES PROFILE
Indian Cobra (Naja naja)
Naja
IUCN STATUS
Least Concern
CONSERVATION STATUS
Least Concern
CLASS
Reptilia
GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE
Widespread across India
DIET
Carnivorous
HABITAT
Forests, grasslands, urban areas
🔬 Classification
PHYLUM
Chordata
CLASS
Reptilia
ORDER
Squamata
FAMILY
Elapidae
GENUS
Naja
📋 Description
SIZE
1.8-2.2 meters long, 1-3 kg
COLORATION
Brown to black, spectacle mark on hood
ADAPTATIONS
Hood for threat display, potent neurotoxic venom
🌿 Ecology
HABITAT
Forests, grasslands, urban areas
DIET
Carnivorous
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
Widespread across India
REPRODUCTION
Lays 10-30 eggs, hatch 45-70 days
DIET DETAILS
Rodents, frogs, birds
⚠️ Threats & Conservation
PRIMARY THREATS
Human conflict, habitat loss
💡 Interesting Facts
1
Snake Charmer's Muse: Linked to cultural festivals their 2-meter hoods sway in Keoladeo's grasslands with 100000 across India. Their venom kills 15000 annually.
2
Big Four Menace: Part of India's deadly snake quartet their 5 mg bites paralyze prey in Ranthambore's scrublands. Anti-venom saves thousands in their 500000 sq km range.
🔭 Sighting Guide
📍 BEST PLACES TO SIGHT
Keoladeo National Park in Rajasthan grasslands and wetlands host cobra sightings
Sundarbans National Park in West Bengal mangrove forests offer cobra sightings
Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan dry forests provide cobra sightings
🗓️ BEST TIME TO SIGHT
November-March. Dry season increases cobra activity in open areas.
🎯 SIGHTING TIPS
Join guided walks with herpetologists to spot cobras basking in sunlight.
