Monocled Cobra (Naja kaouthia)
- Local/Regional name: Indian Spitting Cobra
- Habitat: Paddy fields, swamps, and mangroves, but can also be found in grasslands, shrublands, and forests.
- Distribution: North-eastern region, Odisha, and Haryana.
- Diet: Rodents, frogs, and lizards.
- Size: 1.35 to 1.5 meter
The monocled cobra (Naja kaouthia) is a venomous snake native to South and Southeast Asia. Here are some detailed points about this species:
Physical Characteristics
- Size: Monocled cobras typically range from 1.2 to 1.8 meters (4 to 6 feet) in length, but they can grow longer, with some individuals reaching lengths of up to 2.2 meters (7.2 feet).
- Appearance: They have a slender body with a distinctive hood, which they expand when threatened. The hood often displays a characteristic circular or oval “monocle” pattern on the back of the hood, which gives the species its name.
- Color: Their coloration can vary, but they are typically brown or olive-green with lighter crossbands or spots along the body.
Habitat
- Geographical Range: Monocled cobras are found throughout South and Southeast Asia, including India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
- Environment: They inhabit a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, agricultural areas, and urban areas. They are often found near water bodies and human settlements.
Conservation Status
- Threats: Monocled cobras face threats from habitat loss, fragmentation, and human persecution.
- Conservation Efforts: Efforts to conserve monocled cobras may involve habitat protection, public awareness campaigns, and research initiatives to better understand their ecology and behavior.