FaunaHub
VUVulnerablePartial review

King Cobra

Ophiophagus hannah

King cobra (Ophiophagus hannah), the world's longest venomous snake, rearing up.

King cobra (Ophiophagus hannah), Vietnam.

Image: Charles J. Sharp, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

At a glance

IUCN category
VU · Vulnerable
Animal group
Reptiles & Amphibians
Population trend
Decreasing
Last verified

Conservation overview

The king cobra is the longest venomous snake in the world and the only snake known to build a nest for its eggs. It is assessed as Vulnerable.

It feeds largely on other snakes. It is highly venomous; this page is educational and people should never approach or handle one.

Range & habitat

Forests of South and Southeast Asia.

Major threats

Threats below are drawn from the authoritative sources listed on this page. For the current, complete assessment, see the IUCN Red List.

  • Deforestation
  • Killing out of fear and for trade
  • Collection for skins and traditional medicine

Why it matters

A top snake-eating predator and the world's longest venomous snake, the king cobra is a flagship for Asian forests — and a reminder to respect wildlife from a safe distance.

Gallery

A king cobra on the forest floor.

King cobra (Ophiophagus hannah), Thailand.

Image: Rushenb, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Sources

Sources for King Cobra

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the king cobra dangerous?
Yes. It is highly venomous and can deliver a large amount of venom. It is generally shy and avoids people, but it should never be approached, cornered, or handled. This page is educational and is not first-aid or medical guidance — seek professional help for any snakebite.
What is special about the king cobra?
It is the world's longest venomous snake, it preys mainly on other snakes (its name Ophiophagus means 'snake-eater'), and the female is the only snake known to build a nest of leaves for her eggs and guard them. See the IUCN Red List for its status.

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