Identification
This venomous snake is one of the largest, typically measuring 3-4 meters in length, with some individuals reaching up to 5 meters. It can expand its neck (hood), although not as extensively as the common cobra. The head is relatively short, slightly flattened, and somewhat distinct from the neck. The body is slender, tapering towards the rear, with a long tail. Adults typically have a yellow-green or brown back, sometimes appearing dark gray. The top of the head features a triangular scale, with the apex of the triangle pointing towards the tail. Juveniles have a black back with numerous light-colored transverse bands, and a pale yellow V-shaped pattern on the neck.
Biology and Ecology
This species typically inhabits midland and mountainous regions, residing in forests, hillsides, and even bamboo thickets near villages. They can be found in burrows under large trees in forests and along streams. They are adept at climbing and swimming but are primarily terrestrial. They are active both day and night, with their diet consisting mainly of other snakes, and occasionally lizards. They lay approximately 20-30 eggs per clutch, typically in April or May. The eggs are laid in nests constructed from leaves and plant debris, and are guarded by both the male and female snakes. Newborn snakes are about 40-50 cm long, black in color, with many yellow bands on their body, and a yellow V-shaped pattern on their neck. The king cobra is a fierce and aggressive venomous snake that actively attacks humans. When attacking, they often raise the front part of their body. The height of their raised posture depends on their size.
Distribution
In Vietnam: Cao Bằng, Lào Cai, Vĩnh Phúc, Hà Tây, Phú Thọ, Bắc Giang, Quảng Ninh, Ninh Bình, Hà Tĩnh, Quảng Bình, Đắk Lắk, Lâm Đồng, Phú Yên, Ninh Thuận, Gia Lai, Kon Tum, Tây Ninh, Đồng Nai, Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu.
Worldwide: Bangladesh, Eastern India, Nepal, Myanmar, South China, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia (Sumatra, Java, Borneo), and the Philippines.
Value
It has scientific and aesthetic value and plays a role in environmental protection. The venom has medicinal value for treating diseases and as a commercial product, if farmed in a controlled environment.
Status
King cobras have experienced a population decline of at least 80%, along with habitat loss and degradation in the past and present, due to environmental exploitation, hunting, and illegal trade.
Classification
Critically Endangered (CR) A1c,d.
Conservation Measures
The king cobra is listed in the CITES Appendix II and Decree 32/HĐBT group IB. They are strictly prohibited from being hunted, traded, or slaughtered. Collective breeding farms should be established, and family breeding should be encouraged in villages with a tradition of snake hunting.