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Cobras in Their Environment

During the conflict in Vietnam, Americans were exposed to the horrors of jungle warfare, not the least of which included the wildlife that lived there. Soldiers tell of a snake known as a "three-stepper," one with venom so potent that you had about three steps from the time you were bitten until you weren't able to walk. While this is almost certainly an exaggeration, Asia is home to many species of highly venomous vipers. One type of viper is of the genus Naja, more commonly known as cobras. Cobras are not only found in Asia, but also in Africa and the Middle East.

Africa
- Several different species of cobras call Africa home. Native species include: Anchieta's cobra, snouted cobra, Ashe's spitting cobra, Egyptian cobra, Mali cobra, forest cobra, Mozambique spitting cobra, zebra spitting cobra, black-necked spitting cobra, cape cobra (yellow cobra), Nubian spitting cobra, red spitting cobra and N. senegalensis. The most famous African cobra and perhaps the most deadly is the Egyptian cobra. This snake's neurotoxic venom can kill an adult Indian elephant in less than three hours. A human will die much sooner. These snakes live in a variety of habitats including the savanna and desert regions. They generally hunt rodents and birds.
Middle East
- The Middle East is another hotspot for venomous cobras. The cobras that inhabit the Middle East include the Arabian cobra and the Central Asian cobra, as well as a number of African species whose range extend into the Middle East. These cobras are generally similar to their African counterparts, including the post-synaptic neurotoxin and habitats that generally intersect their rodent prey. Well-watered highlands are a favorite habitat of the Arabian cobra, while the Central Asian prefers areas that are more rocky and secluded.
India
- Snake charmers are often depicted in stereotypical views of India. The reason rests in the many species of venomous cobras that inhabit the subcontinent. They include the monocled cobra, Indian cobra (Spectacled cobra) and Andaman cobra. The Indian spectacled cobra is generally found in open forest areas, fields and places near towns where rats are abundant. The Adaman cobra is found normally only on the Andaman islands.
East Asia
- The remainder of the cobras are found in East Asia. These snakes include the Chinese cobra, Mandalay spitting cobra (Burmese spitting cobra), Philippine cobra, Peters' cobra, Indo-Chinese spitting cobra, Indonesian cobra and golden spitting cobra. The cobras of Asia have adapted to jungle environments where the terrain is more moist and prey is plentiful. Though many predators and prey alike use venom in Asia, the cobras of this area have been known to harbor the most potent of this venom, as well as a venom resistance of their own. These cobras can be found in trees, in mossy, rocky and grassy areas and pretty much anywhere else there is food and shelter.

Animals & Science