Karmactive Staff
Photo Source: Google
A new species of King cobra, Ophiophagus kaalinga, was confirmed in India's Western Ghats through comprehensive DNA analysis and morphological studies published in the European Journal of Taxonomy on October 16, 2023.
The long-standing scientific debate about king cobra classification was resolved through this study, led by P. Gowri Shanker, confirming multiple distinct species rather than a single variable species.
Researchers conducted an extensive study tracking 153 king cobras across various Asian countries, analyzing their DNA samples and comparing physical characteristics to establish distinct genetic and morphological patterns.
The Western Ghats king cobras have distinctive physical features, including a robust body up to 12½ feet long, large flattened heads, dark red tongues, sharp fangs, and bodies ranging from black to brown with pale stripes and cream to yellowish undersides.
These apex predators primarily feed on other snakes, specifically targeting pit vipers under 1-meter in length and other king cobras, maintaining ecological balance in their habitat.
While king cobra attacks on humans are infrequent, their potent venom can cause rapid death, making them a significant concern in areas where medical facilities with antivenom are not readily accessible.
The species name "kaalinga" derives from the Kannada word "kali" meaning dark/black, and references "Kaalinga Havu," connecting to Hindu god Shiva, who is often depicted wearing a cobra.
The Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, hosts this new species across five southwestern Indian states (Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu) and is recognized as one of the world's most biodiverse regions.
The species faces significant threats from habitat degradation due to increasing human activities, including agriculture, deforestation, and urbanization, which fragment their natural environment and potentially endanger population stability.