Identification:
These are large venomous snakes, averaging 1 meter or more in length, and can reach up to 2 meters. They have a broad, slightly flattened head that isn’t distinct from the neck, with a pair of fangs in the front of the upper jaw that can be erected. Their backs are yellowish-green, dark brown, black, or a uniform color. They may also have patterns such as single or double light-colored horizontal stripes. The patterns on the neck are key for identification, especially when the snake flares its hood. The hood always flares outwards, to the sides. Based on external morphology, particularly the patterns on the face, neck, and back, especially when the hood is flared, cobra species can be divided into two subspecies: the Chinese cobra and the monocled cobra ( Naja naja atra Cantor, 1842).
Chinese Cobra – Naja naja (Linnaeus, 1758):
When the hood is flared, there is a light-colored ring (the “spectacle”) on the back of the hood, with two white bands on either side (“spectacle frame”). In the center of the “spectacle” is a dark brown spot. One or both “spectacle frames” may be reduced to varying degrees. The underside of the neck has a broad, dark horizontal band. The back is often dark brown or yellowish-green, frequently with small, slightly lighter horizontal stripes.
Biology and Ecology:
The Chinese cobra typically hides in rodent burrows, termite mounds in fields, villages, gardens, dikes, mounds, or under tree roots in bamboo thickets. In many cases, they enter rodent burrows, swallow the owners, and then occupy the burrows. They hunt at night, feeding primarily on rodents, but also snakes, lizards, toads, and frogs. Young snakes primarily eat frogs and toads. In North Vietnam, the Chinese cobra sheds its skin throughout the year, with the most shedding occurring in August and during the winter months (December, January, and February). They mate in late April and early May, and lay eggs in June and July (primarily in June), with 6-20 eggs per clutch. The mother snake coils around the eggs for protection. The eggs hatch in August after 50-57 days. Newborn snakes are 250-270 mm long and are already capable of hood-flaring and delivering a fatal bite. Young snakes are generally more aggressive than adults. The minimum lethal dose of venom for humans is 15 mg.
Distribution:
In Vietnam: Widely distributed in the plains, midlands, and mountainous areas. Common in North Vietnam and may extend south to Quảng Bình and Quảng Trị provinces. From Đà Nẵng southward, the Chinese cobra has become extremely rare.
Globally: Southern China, Laos.
Monocled Cobra – Naja naja kaouthia Lesson, 1831
Identification:
When the hood is flared, there is a light-colored ring (the “spectacle”) on the back of the hood with a dark brown spot in the center. On the underside of the neck, there is a pair of small, horizontal marks. The back color varies from dark brown to grayish-brown. Most individuals have a uniform back color. A few individuals have slightly lighter horizontal stripes, but these are not very distinct. Additionally, the monocled cobra has some detailed characteristics that distinguish it from the Chinese cobra.
Biology and Ecology:
The monocled cobra lives in plains, midlands, and mountainous regions. They are active at night and hide during the day in termite mounds or rodent burrows, often very close to human dwellings. Their primary food includes toads, snakes, birds, and small mammals (rodents). Female monocled cobras lay up to 45 eggs per clutch, often more than the Chinese cobra. Newborns are 280-350 mm long, also usually longer than the Chinese cobra. Newborns can already flare their hoods aggressively and have venom that poses a danger to humans.
Distribution:
In Vietnam: Distributed mainly in the South and South Central regions. Rare in North Vietnam.
Globally: Bangladesh, North India, Nepal, Southern China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and North Malaysia.
Value:
It has scientific, aesthetic, and environmental protection value because it eliminates harmful animals (rodent control). If commercially farmed, it has export value.
Status:
Cobra populations have declined by at least 50% due to habitat loss and degradation in the past and present, caused by urban expansion, roads, intensive hunting, and illegal trade.
Classification: EN A1c,d.
Conservation Measures:
The cobra has been included in CITES Appendix II. Added to Decree 32/HDBT, Group II B (forest animals). It is necessary to strictly implement the ban on hunting, use, and trade. Establish collective farms and encourage family farming in traditional snake-catching villages.