NAJA (COBRA)

Contents hide

1) Introduction

2) Classification of Naja (cobra)

3) Geographical distribution

4) Habit and habitat

5) General Characteristics of Naja (cobra)

6) Ecological Importance

7) Conservation Status

8) Special features

9) Identification

Introduction

The genus Naja includes the true cobras, known for their iconic hood displays and potent venom. Found across Africa, Asia, and parts of the Middle East, these snakes are highly adaptable and occupy diverse habitats. Cobras are both feared and revered, playing significant roles in ecosystems and human culture.

Classification of Naja (cobra)

Phylum :- Chordata (Dorsal tubular nerve cord, notochord and gill-slits present.)
Group :- Craniata (Definite head, Cranium with brain present.)
Sub phylum :- Vertebrata (Vertebral column present.)
Division :- Gnathostomata (Jaws and paired appendages present.)
Super Class :- Tetrapoda (Paired limbs, lungs, cornified skin and bony skeleton.)
Class :- Reptilia (Scaly vertebrates. Right and left aortic arches present. Single condyle. Pulmonary respiration. Embryo with amnion and allantois.)
Sub Class :- Diapsida (Skull with two temporal openings separated by post-orbital and squamosal.)
Order :- Squamata (Lizards and snakes with horny epidermal scales or shields. Quadrate bone movable. Vertebrae procoelous. Anal opening transverse.. Vertebrae amphicentrous.)
Sub-order :- Ophidia (Snakes. Limbs, feet, ear openings sternum and urinary bladder absent. Mandibles jointed anteriorly by ligament. Tongue slender, bifid and protrusible. Left lung reduced.)
Family :- Elapidae (2 or more short, rigid erect fangs.)
Genus :- Naja

Geographical distribution

Africa: From the Sahara Desert to southern Africa, including species like the Egyptian cobra (Naja haje).
Asia:
- South Asia (Indian cobra, Naja naja).
- Southeast Asia (Monocled cobra, Naja kaouthia).
- East Asia (Chinese cobra, Naja atra).
Middle East: Arabian cobras are found in arid regions.

Habit and habitat

Cobras of the genus Naja thrive in a wide range of environments, including:
- Forests: Tropical, subtropical, and deciduous.
- Grasslands and Savannahs: Open landscapes with sparse vegetation.
- Agricultural Fields: Attracted to rodents near human settlements.
- Wetlands and Riverbanks: Some species prefer moist environments.
- Urban Areas: Frequently found in rural and suburban settings.
They utilize burrows, hollow logs, and rock crevices for shelter and nesting.

General Characteristics of Naja (cobra)

Commonly known as cobra.
Body measures 2 to 3 meters in length and is wheatish in colour.
During hibernation the colour becomes
golden but on exposure to light it changes to brown.
Body divided into head, neck, trunk and tail. Head contains mouth, eyes and nostrils.
Neck region is dilatable with elongated ribs. It expands to form hood which contains binocellate mark on dorsal surface. Some persons call it figure of ten. There is a white band around mark.
Third shield of upper labia or lip large and extending from ocular to nasal shield. bears eye and nasal shield bears opening of nostril. Eyes with narrow pupils.
A tiny wedge-shield on the undersurface of the 4th and 5th lower labials.
Tail shields on the undersurface of the tail in a double row. Ocular shield
Body is covered by smooth oblique scales.
Maxillary bone extends beyond palatine. Poison fangs are followed by 1-3 small teeth. Loreal absent.
Nostrils large and vertically elliptical. Frontal shield truncated.

Ecological Importance

Rodent Control: Cobras help manage rodent populations, reducing agricultural crop damage and disease transmission.
Food Web Contribution: As predators, cobras regulate populations of smaller animals. As prey, they support the diets of larger predators like birds of prey and mongoose.
Venom Research: Cobra venom is valuable in medical research for developing treatments for blood clots, pain relief, and neurological disorders.

Conservation Status

Global Status:
- Least Concern: Indian cobra (N. naja), monocled cobra (Naja kaouthia).
- Endangered or Vulnerable: Some species are at risk due to habitat loss and human persecution.
Threats:
- Habitat destruction from agriculture and urbanization.
- Killing due to fear of their venomous nature.
- Exploitation for traditional medicine, leather, and snake charming.
Conservation Efforts:
- Legal protection under wildlife conservation laws in many countries.
- Awareness programs to mitigate human-snake conflict.
- Research and conservation programs to protect habitats and reduce exploitation.

Special features

Hood Expansion: Cobras spread their neck ribs to form an iconic hood when threatened, deterring predators.
Neurotoxic Venom: Their venom primarily affects the nervous system, paralyzing prey. Some species also have cytotoxic venom.
Behavioral Adaptability: Cobras are both diurnal and nocturnal, depending on species and habitat conditions.
Cultural Significance: Revered in many cultures, especially in Hinduism and ancient Egyptian mythology, where they symbolize protection and divine power.
Unique Defensive Mechanisms: Some cobras, like spitting cobras (Naja nigricollis), can eject venom at predators’ eyes, causing pain and temporary blindness.