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29 July 2026

Madras Snake Park King Cobra

The topic provides specific ecological context regarding the habitat and conservation of a significant Indian species, which is useful as an example for questions on biodiversity and flora and fauna.

1 min read 1 questions 2 prelims

Notes

  • The Madras Snake Park, Guindy, has acquired a female King Cobra from the North Andamans rain forest.
  • King Cobras are found in specific rain forests and estuarine mangrove swamps, including the Sunderbans (Bengal), Bhitarkanika sanctuary (Orissa), and the Western Ghats.
  • The species is not a true cobra and does not belong to the same genus as the common cobra, though it is venomous.
  • Physical characteristics: Hatchlings are 12-15 inches long; adults can reach 19 feet in length with a five-inch girth.
  • Reproduction: Females lay approximately 20 eggs per clutch, with an incubation period of about two months.
  • Conservation challenges: Captive survival is difficult; previous specimens from Thailand and Karnataka died in captivity.
  • Management: Madras Snake Park is implementing air-conditioning in the enclosure to simulate natural habitat conditions and improve survival rates.

Questions

  1. Discuss the ecological significance of the King Cobra in the Indian subcontinent and the challenges associated with its ex-situ conservation in zoological parks. 150 words
    Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min
    0 / 150 words 8:00

Prelims

  1. Which of the following regions in India are identified as natural habitats for the King Cobra?

  2. Regarding the biological classification of the King Cobra, which statement is correct?

Syllabus

Topics

Sources

250words.in · https://250words.in/daily/2026-07-29/madras-snake-park-king-cobra