Northern King Cobra
    Image: Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Northern King Cobra

    Ophiophagus hannah

    Reptiles
    Vulnerable

    Best Months to Spot

    JFMAMJJASOND

    Most sightings recorded in Apr, May, Oct. Data from GBIF - a global database of verified wildlife observations by researchers and citizen scientists.

    Conservation Status

    Conservation hub
    VU - VulnerableDecreasing population

    Faces a high risk of extinction in the wild.

    The Northern King Cobra faces significant threats from habitat loss due to deforestation and agricultural expansion, as well as hunting for its skin and traditional medicine. While specific large-scale recovery programs are limited, conservation efforts often focus on protecting its forest habitats, which indirectly benefits the species. Responsible safari tourism can help by raising awareness of the king cobra's importance and by providing economic incentives for local communities to protect wildlife and their environments.

    The king cobra is a species complex of snakes endemic to Asia. With an average length of 3.18 to 4 m and a record length of 5.85 m (19.2 ft), it is the world's longest venomous snake and among the heaviest. Under the genus Ophiophagus, it is not phylogenetically a true cobra despite its common name and some resemblance. Spanning from the Indian subcontinent through Southeastern Asia to Southern China, the king cobra is widely distributed albeit not commonly seen.

    Description adapted from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0.

    Where to Find

    Top parks for Northern King Cobra. Sightings recorded in 68 safari areas total.

    ● Common (500+ sightings)● Occasional (50-499)● Rare (<50)
    View all parks for Northern King Cobra

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