Andaman Cobra (Naja sagittifera)
- Habitat: Andaman Islands
- Distribution: Andaman and Little Andaman Islands
- Diet: Rodents, frogs, and lizards.
- Size: 0.9 to 1.5 meter
The Andaman cobra (Naja sagittifera), also known as the Andaman spitting cobra, is a venomous snake endemic to the Andaman Islands in the Bay of Bengal, India. Here are some detailed points about this species:
Physical Characteristics
- Size: Andaman cobras typically grow to about 1 to 1.5 meters (3.3 to 4.9 feet) in length, though some individuals can reach lengths of up to 2 meters (6.6 feet).
- Appearance: They have a slender body with a distinctive hood, which they expand when threatened. The hood is not as pronounced as that of the Indian cobra.
- Color: Their coloration can vary, but they are typically olive-green, brown, or black with lighter crossbands or spots along the body.
Habitat
- Geographical Range: The Andaman cobra is found exclusively on the Andaman Islands, a group of islands in the Bay of Bengal.
- Environment: They inhabit a variety of habitats on the islands, including forests, grasslands, coastal areas, and human settlements. They are often found near water bodies and are known to adapt to disturbed habitats.
Conservation Status
- Threats: The Andaman cobras face threats from habitat loss, fragmentation, and human persecution.
- Conservation Efforts: Efforts to conserve Andaman cobras may involve habitat protection, public awareness campaigns, and research initiatives to better understand their ecology and behavior.