Monocled Cobra

27-09-2024

08:08 AM

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1 min read
Monocled Cobra Blog Image

Overview:

Recently, researchers carried out proteomic and biochemical investigations to explore the diversity in the Monocled Cobra (Naja kaouthia) composition across different geographic regions.

About Monocled Cobra: 

  • It is a venomous cobra species widespread across South and Southeast Asia.
  • Some populations of the Monocled cobra have the ability to spit venom, earning them the name "Indian spitting cobra".
  • They have an O-shaped, or monocellate hood pattern, which has the "spectacle" pattern on the rear of their hood.
  • Habitat:
  • These cobras prefer habitats associated with water, such as paddy fields, swamps, and mangroves, but can also be found in grasslands, shrublands, and forests.
  • They are also found in agricultural land and human settlements including cities.
  • Distribution: It inhabits eastern and northeastern India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and southern China.
  • Ecological significance: They play an important role in their ecosystem. They help to maintain the balance of prey species and control agricultural pests such as rats and mice.
  • Conservation status
    • IUCN Red List: Least Concern (LC)

Q1: What are Antivenoms?

These are purified antibodies against venoms or venom components. Antivenoms are produced from antibodies made by animals to injected venoms. Antivenom is the only definitive treatment for effective bites by venomous Australian snakes.

Source: Region-Specific Antivenoms can Improve Treatment of Monocled Cobra Bites