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King Cobra (Ophiophagus Kaalinga)
Context
The king cobra found in Karnataka's Western Ghats, locally known as ‘Kalinga Sarpa’, is being formally recognized and named in the scientific world. The Western Ghats' king cobra lineage, which had been previously grouped under a single species name Ophiophagus hannah, has now been scientifically identified as a separate species, Ophiophagus Kaalinga.
About the Species
- Ophiophagus Kaalinga is found in the Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot in South India, specifically in regions like Agumbe, Karnataka.
- The Western Ghats is known for its rich variety of flora and fauna and is considered one of the world's eight "hottest hotspots" of biological diversity.
- This species has fewer than 40 bands on its body.
- Species Differentiation: Historically, all king cobras were classified under a single species Ophiophagus hannah. However, after extensive genetic research, it was found that there are four different lineages of king cobras across Asia, each living in different regions:
- Western Ghats lineage (now identified as Ophiophagus Kaalinga)
- Indo-Chinese lineage
- Indo-Malaysian lineage
- Luzon Island lineage (from the Philippines, named Ophiophagus Salvatana)
- Significance:
- The formal naming of this species is not just a taxonomic achievement, but it also has ecological and medical implications. For example, there is currently no specific anti-venom for king cobra bites in India. The identification of distinct species like Ophiophagus Kaalinga could lead to the development of targeted anti-venoms and better medical treatments for bites.
- King cobra venom, though not the most potent in terms of toxicity, is still highly dangerous due to the large amount of venom they can deliver in a single bite. Their venom acts as a neurotoxin, affecting the respiratory system and leading to respiratory failure and cardiac arrest.
- Behavior:
- The king cobra is unique in that it is the only snake species in the world known to build nests. Female king cobras guard their nests, which can measure 4 feet by 3 feet, and lay 23-43 eggs. After laying the eggs, the mother leaves the nest, and the hatchlings emerge on their own.
- King cobras are territorial and aggressive when threatened, but they are also highly revered in local cultures due to their powerful and majestic presence.
- Conservation status: king cobra is presently categorised:
- 'Vulnerable' on Red List of Threatened Species by International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
- Appendix II of Convention on International Trade on Endangered Species (Cites)
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