King Cobra
Ophiophagus hannah
The king cobra is the world's longest venomous snake, capable of delivering enough venom to kill an elephant. Unlike most snakes, king cobras are intelligent hunters that actively pursue prey and can stand nearly 2 meters tall.
- Mass (typical / record)
- 6 kg
- Top speed
- 18 km/h
- Body length
- 3.5 m
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Habitats
- rainforest, forest, grassland
IUCN: VU (Vulnerable)
Revered in Hindu mythology as a divine protector, cobras adorn the neck of Lord Shiva. Central to Southeast Asian folk religion and traditional snake charming. The king cobra is not a true cobra but belongs to its own genus.