The king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) is a venomous snake species of elapids endemic to jungles in Southern and Southeast Asia. The sole member of the genus Ophiophagus, it is distinguishable from other cobras, most noticeably by its size and neck patterns. The king cobra is the world's longest venomous snake, with an average length of 3.18 to 4 m (10.4 to 13.1 ft),[2] reaching a maximum of 5.85 m (19.2 ft).[3] Its skin colour varies across the habitats, from black with white stripes to unbroken brownish grey. It preys chiefly on other snakes, including its own species. Unlike other snakes, it rarely hunts non-reptile vertebrates, such as rodents and lizards. Like most cobras and mambas, the king cobra's threat display includes spreading its neck-flap, raising its head upright, puffing, and hissing. Despite its fearsome reputation, the king cobra avoids confrontation with humans whenever possible. When provoked, however, it is capable of striking a target at long range and well above the ground. Rather than biting and retreating, it may sustain its bite and inject a large quantity of venom, which is a medical emergency.[4][5] Regarded as the national reptile of India,[6] this species has an eminent position in mythology and folk traditions of India, Sri Lanka and Myanmar.[7][8] Threatened by habitat destruction, the king cobra has been listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List since 2010.[1]
King Cobra
Species
for Species in Shere Khan, Lord of the Jungle
Suggested by adrianabengozarlopez
After his pregnant mate Durga is killed by the man-village poacher, Buldeo, Shere-Khan vows to hate all humans. Years later, in the man-village, a couple and their new-born ‘man-cub’ have inherited riches. Buldeo, wanting the inheritance, murders the couple, while their basket, carrying the baby, washes into the jungle. Soon, Shere-Khan and his cave-lodger, Tabaqui the jackal, find the baby. Shere Khan, still hating humans, reluctantly brings the baby to his cave. Over the next few days, with the help of Tabaqui, Bagheera the panther, and Baloo the bear, Shere-Khan grows fond of the baby. Shere-Khan and Bagheera argue about where the baby belongs. Buldeo soon kidnaps the baby, plotting to dispose of him to claim the inheritance. Shere-Khan and Bagheera sneak into the man-village at night, to Buldeo’s fur-hut, and they find that Bhadra, the alpha of a vicious pack of dholes in the jungle, has been captured/caged by Buldeo. After saving the baby, Shere-Khan reluctantly frees Bhadra. Leaving the baby with Bagheera, Shere-Khan confronts Buldeo. After a tense fight, Buldeo is caught in his own tigertrap. Shere-Khan now has the human, who took his mate, at his mercy. However, Shere-Khan lets Buldeo get finished off by Bhadra and his pack, who let Shere-Khan leave for freeing Bhadra. Shere-Khan and Bagheera emotionally have the baby adopted by a wolf-pack, who call the baby ’Mowgli’. Shere-Khan decides to go to the distant parts of the jungle, with Tabaqui accompanying him.
