King Cobra
Ophiophagus hannah
Charakteristics
- Origin
Large parts of tropical south and southeast Asia
- Habitat
Forests, riverbanks, open grassland, plantations
- Diet
Snakes, lizards
- Status
vulnerable
- Size
3 to 5 m
- Weight
up to 9 kg
- Gestation period
2 to 2,5 months
- Achievable age
up to 20 years
Threat Categories of IUCN
Rising to the challenge
King cobras can reach up to five metres in length. That makes them the largest venomous snake in the world – but not the most poisonous, which is a common misconception. When alarmed, this snake can rear up a third of its body length, giving it a better view of the danger.
