Ophiophagus kaalinga
- Karnataka's king cobra, found in the Western Ghats and known locally as 'Kaalinga Sarpa,' was officially named as Ophiophagus Kaalinga.
- Until now, the king cobra was considered a single species, but DNA research identified four distinct lineages, with Kaalinga representing the Western Ghats lineage.
- King Cobras are found in thick forests and plains in India, Southern China, and Southeast Asia.
- Besides the Western Ghats, they are found in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.
- King Cobra is the longest venomous snake on the planet, reaching up to 18 ft.
- They mainly feed on other snakes — both venomous and non-venomous.
- The discovery of four king cobra species could ....
Do You Want to Read More?
Subscribe Now
To get access to detailed content
Already a Member? Login here
