Quick answer
Conservation status for king cobras is listed here as Vulnerable. Threats, population trends, and what protection means in practice.
Key takeaway
Conservation status for king cobras is listed here as Vulnerable. Threats, population trends, and what protection means in practice.
Current status
King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) is recorded in our guides as Vulnerable. IUCN categories describe extinction risk at the global level and can differ from national listings.
Main threats
Habitat loss, hunting or persecution, climate pressure, and conflict with people are common drivers. Exact ranking of threats varies by region.
Population outlook
Where monitoring exists, trends depend on protected-area effectiveness and local enforcement. Fragmented populations need corridors and genetic exchange.
What helps
Support verified conservation programmes, reduce demand for illegal wildlife products, and protect habitat. Tourism only helps when operators follow ethical wildlife standards.
How to read the label
"Endangered" is not the only serious category — Vulnerable and Critically Endangered also signal urgent risk. Domesticated animals are not IUCN-threatened in the same way.
Behavior
The king cobra is intelligent and alert for a snake. When threatened it can raise up to a third of its body off the ground, spread its narrow hood, and emit a low growl-like hiss. Despite its fearsome reputation, it is generally shy and prefers to flee rather than confront people.
Diet and venom
Its scientific name, Ophiophagus, means "snake-eater," and the king cobra feeds mainly on other snakes, including venomous species. Its venom is a powerful neurotoxin delivered in large quantities; a single bite can deliver enough to be fatal to a human within hours if untreated.
Nesting
King cobras are the only snakes known to build a nest for their eggs. The female gathers leaves into a mound, lays 20 to 40 eggs inside, and guards the nest until the young are ready to hatch, an unusual level of parental care for a reptile.
Conservation
King cobras are listed as Vulnerable, threatened by deforestation, collection for skins and traditional medicine, and persecution out of fear. Protecting the forests of South and Southeast Asia is key to their survival.
Research notes
Figures for king cobras (Ophiophagus hannah) come from field studies, museum records, and conservation assessments that do not always agree on exact averages. Prefer ranges over single-point claims, and check whether a source describes wild, captive, or mixed populations.
Practical takeaways
If you encounter king cobras in the wild, prioritise distance and local guidance. If you care for related domestic or captive animals, match diet and housing to species needs rather than generic pet advice. Share accurate status information (Vulnerable) when discussing conservation.
Sources
FAQs
Are King Cobras Endangered?
Conservation status for king cobras is listed here as Vulnerable. Threats, population trends, and what protection means in practice.
What is the scientific name of the king cobra?
Ophiophagus hannah
What do king cobras eat?
Carnivore (mainly other snakes)
Where do king cobras live?
Forests, mangroves, grasslands of Asia
Are king cobras endangered?
Listed here as Vulnerable. Check IUCN and national lists for the latest assessment.