Scientists reclassify world’s longest venomous snakes into 4 separate species

The king cobra’s scientific name, Ophiophagus hannah, was first given in 1836 by Danish zoologist Theodore Edward Cantor.

The king cobra, the world’s longest venomous snake, is no longer considered a single species. Scientists have now classified it into four separate species, each found in distinct regions: Mainland Asia, Maritime Southeast Asia, the Western Ghats of India, and Luzon Island in the Philippines.

The study, led by P. Gowri Shankar, who has studied king cobras for nearly 20 years, builds on earlier research from 2021. That research identified four separate genetic groups of king cobras. The latest findings provide a detailed description of these groups and formally recognise two of them as new species.

The four species include:

• Northern King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah): Found across northern India, Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet, China, and parts of Southeast Asia.
• Sunda King Cobra (Ophiophagus bungarus): Found in southern Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and some southern Philippine islands.
• Western Ghats King Cobra (Ophiophagus kaalinga): Unique to India’s Western Ghats, living in rainforests and hill regions.
• Luzon King Cobra (Ophiophagus salvatana): Found only on Luzon Island in the northern Philippines.

The king cobra’s scientific name, Ophiophagus hannah, was first given in 1836 by Danish zoologist Theodore Edward Cantor. The genus name “Ophiophagus” means “snake eater” in Greek, reflecting the cobra’s diet. Over time, researchers have observed significant differences among king cobra populations, leading to the need for this reclassification.

This updated classification is essential for conservation and medical research. The Western Ghats and Luzon king cobras are particularly vulnerable due to their limited habitats and threats like habitat loss, hunting, and fear-driven killings.

The reclassification also has implications for snakebite treatment. King cobra venom can cause deadly neurotoxic effects, and recognising regional differences could improve the effectiveness of antivenom treatments.

Researchers emphasise that identifying and naming species is crucial for conservation efforts, ensuring that these iconic snakes are protected for the future.

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