The Indian Cobra is a species of ‘True Cobra’ that can be found in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bhutan. It is one of the most dangerous and feared snakes in India.
The Indian Cobra is one of the ‘Big Four’ snakes in India. This is a nickname given to 4 venomous snakes in the country that inflict the most medically significant snake bites.
The other three snakes in the big 4 are the Common Krait, Russell’s Viper and the Indian Saw-Scaled Viper.
Taxonomy
The Indian Cobra belongs to the Elapid family of snakes. This is one of the largest families of venomous snake in the world, along with the viper family.
One of the biggest visible differences between elapids and vipers is their fangs. Most Elapids will have small non-retractable fangs positioned at the front of their mouth while many Vipers have large retractable fangs that tuck into their upper mouth.
Some other commonly known members of the Elapid family include Coral Snakes, Mambas and Copperheads. Of course, other species of Cobra also belong to the elapid family.
The genus that this snake belongs to is called Naja. This is Latin for Cobra and the snakes in this genus are referred to as ‘True Cobras’. In fact, the Indian Cobra could be considered ‘THE’ True Cobra as it is the nominate species in this genus.
Many of the other species in the Naja genus were once considered sub-species of the Indian Cobra but further analysis has meant that they have since been reclassified.
The Indian Cobra was first identified in 1758 by a Swedish zoologist. At the time, it was identified as Coluber naja as opposed to its current scientific name Naja naja. This means it was classified under a different genus of snake.
Some other notable True Cobra species from the Naja genus include the Mozambique Spitting Cobra, the Black Necked Spitting Cobra and the Monocled Cobra.
Indian Cobra Description
The color of the Indian Cobra can vary greatly throughout its range. The dorsal scales or back of the snake can vary in color but usually varies from light to dark brown with lighter colored ‘speckles’ on the scales. This is why the snake is often called the Speckled Cobra.
The underside of the snake can vary greatly in color but usually ranges from grey, yellow, brown, reddish, or even black.
They have smooth scales, black eyes, a wide neck and a medium-sized body. Their most defining feature is probably the pattern on the back of their hood, which is present in most specimens. This pattern consists of a ‘U’ shaped marking with a circle on either end.
This pattern is intended to confuse predators. The two circles may seem like eyes to other animals and prevent them from attempting to sneak up on the cobra from behind.
Natural Habitat and Distribution
The Indian Cobra, as its name suggests, can be found in India. However, the species can also be found in neighbouring countries such as Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and parts of Nepal.
The Indian Cobra can be found in a wide range of habitats and has a relatively large distribution. However, they do not live in altitudes above 2000m. They also do not like true desert regions.
The Indian Cobra has been found as far West as Duki, Balochistan in Pakistan and as far East as the Tangail District in Bangladesh. Their range extends as far South as the island of Sri Lanka.
This species inhabits a wide range of habitats throughout its geographical range. They like to live in open forests, rocky terrain, wetlands and the foothills of mountains.
They have adapted well to co-habiting with humans and are often found on agricultural land. Paddy fields and wheat crop are commonly occupied by Indian Cobras. This is likely due to the increase in rodent populations.
This species can often be found in populated areas such as villages and city suburbs. Many of these areas have high rodent populations which can attract the Cobras. However, the increased proximity of humans and Cobras is a cause for concern.
These snakes are usually found in close proximity to water and are known to feed on frogs. They can often be found hiding under rocks, in tree hollows or termite mounds. They are also known to occupy mammal burrows, which is likely the former home of a previous meal.
Behaviour
Like many Cobra species, the Indian Cobra will assume a characteristic posture when threatened. This involves raising one third of their body off the ground and spreading their hood.
This snake primarily feeds on rodents, lizards and frogs. It quickly strikes and releases its prey before waiting for the venom to take effect. Once the venom paralyses its prey, the Cobra will consume the meal whole.
Indian Cobra Venom
The Indian Cobra has a powerful and potent venom. This venom primarily consists of neurotoxins and cardiotoxins. The venom attacks the nerves, respiratory and cardiac systems.
The venom is extremely efficient and contains an enzyme that can break down the membrane of cells. This helps to increase the spread of the venom in the victim’s body.
The Indian Cobra is responsible for a large number of the snake bites in its region. It is considered one of the ‘Big Four’ which was a name given to the four deadliest snakes in the region.
The average venom yield from this Cobra ranges from 170mg-250mg. The LD50 range for the Indian Cobra ranges from 0.45mg/kg to 0.75mg/kg. Envenomation symptoms can start to appear in a person anywhere from 15 minutes to two hours after a bite.
The Indian Cobra is responsible for a very large number of bites. This is due to many factors including their proximity to humans. These snakes are very common in paddy fields and wheat crops, where a large number of bites occur.
While Indian Cobra venom is quite potent and bites occur frequently, mortality rate is quite low when medical attention is sought quickly. There is an antivenom available to treat these snake bites.
However, many Indian Cobra bites occur in rural farmland communities and around poor villages where medical attention is not always available. This leads to a much higher death rate in these communities.
Indian Cobra Reproduction
The Indian Cobra is an oviparous species, meaning that they lay eggs. These snakes usually lay their eggs in late Spring or early Summer. A female Indian Cobra can lay anywhere between 10 and 30 eggs.
Eggs are usually laid in mammal burrows, tree hollows or termite mounds. The incubation period lasts around 50 days and the eggs are fiercely guarded at this time, with the female only leaving them to feed.
When the hatchlings emerge from the egg, they are fully independent. They measure around 1 foot in length and have fully functioning venom glands. They are also capable of ‘standing up’, spreading their hood and striking.
