Facts, Information, Scientific Name of Indian Cobra
The spectacled mark on my hood identifies me best,
Between the rockpiles and in tree hollows I rest.
Also called Asian Cobra, and Binocellate Cobra.
The mark on my hood is shaped as Spectacled,
Scientific name– Najanaja
‘Naja’ comes from a Sanskrit word called ‘Naga’.
The height of the Indian Cobra snake is 3.3 ft to 4.9 ft.
Indian Cobra is a Venomous snake.
Distribution and Habitat –
India. cobra can be seen in cultivated areas as well as natural habitats of Wild savannah, grassland, mangrove, shrubland, Tropical rainforests,villages etc, in the Indian subcontinent, Srilanka, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh etc.
Indian cobra rests in Tree hollows, Termite mounds, between rock piles and small dens.
How to identify Indian Cobra?
Indian cobras have a hood around its head. The back ofits hood possesses a black mark outlined in white. This mark appears as two eyes joined by a curved line. Thus Indian cobra is also known as the Spectacled Cobra.
In front of the Hood, there are two light-but-half circles with dark spots in the middle and black bands in front of the neck.
The colour of the Snakes is Grey, brown also white with Yellow black reddish bands.
How and what does the Indian cobra snake eat?
The Indian cobra is Nocturnal, active during dusk and dawn. It feeds on Rattus rattus, also known as a ‘Black rat’. But Frogs, other rodents, birds, lizards,and smaller snakes can be consumed.
Indian cobra bites the prey, inserts the venom and waits till the prey is paralyzed. And then swallow the prey.
Moongoose animal is resistant to the Venom of Indian Cobra.
Reproduction-
Indian Cobras mate in January. The courtship ritual might include male fights. The incubation period is of 50-70 days.
Female Indian Cobra protects their eggs. The young hatched Conras have Venom.
Threats and Ecological importance –
Indian cobras control pests by feeding on Mice and rats, which eventually maintains balance. But they face the threat of hunting and trading, for the usage of leather.
- Also see – Indian Python