Why are king cobras not Naja?
Recent research has shown that “true cobras,” those in the family called Naja, are an African lineage (though a handful of species radiated into Asia). King cobras are not in the Naja family, rather, they are the only members of their own group, Ophiophagus.
What genus does the king cobra belong to?
Ophiophagus
For one, the king cobra belongs to its own genus. A king cobra’s genus is known as Ophiophagus while the Chinese cobra, forest cobra, and many others are categorized under the genus Naja. Another difference is the king cobra’s head is larger than that of other cobras and its hood is more narrow.
Why King Cobra is called King?
King cobras are impressively venomous, large snakes native to Asia. They are called king cobras because they can kill and eat cobras.
Is there a difference between Cobra and King Cobra?
What is the difference between King Cobra and Cobra? Although the both snakes are elapids, they are described under two genera. King cobra is considerably larger and heavier than cobra is. King cobra can inject much more venom than a cobra, but cobra has more concentrated venom compared to king cobra.
Is the King Cobra part of the Cobra family?
Elapid snakes
King cobra/Family
Are King Cobras a cobra?
The king cobra is an example of a snake with “cobra” in its name, but it is not a member of the Naja genus. The king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) is the only member of its genus. “The king cobra is the longest species of venomous snake in the world,” said Viernum.
How many king cobras are left in India?
“There is no specific count of King cobra numbers in India, but it can be safely said that they have become very rare in most areas,” Whitaker says. The King cobra is protected under Schedule II of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act. “Anyone killing the snake could be imprisoned for up to six years,” Whitaker says.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLhLRUYmvwU