From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Kaalinga Specie
Why in the News?
The Western Ghats’ king cobra, commonly called ‘Kalinga Sarpa’, will soon be recognized in the scientific community as Ophiophagus kaalinga.
About Kaalinga (Ophiophagus kaalinga):
| Details | |
| Geographical Location | • Native to the Western Ghats of Karnataka, India, and extends to adjacent regions within the Western Ghats. • Prefers dense tropical forests and hilly terrains. |
| Physical Features | • Can grow up to 10-12 feet.
• Carnivorous, feeding on snakes, small mammals, and lizards. • Potent neurotoxic venom capable of killing several humans or an elephant in a single bite. |
| Uniqueness | • Known for territorial behaviour and intelligence. • Females build and fiercely guard nests (4 ft x 3 ft) with 23-43 eggs per clutch. |
| Conservation Status | • At risk due to habitat fragmentation, human-animal conflict, and the absence of specific anti-venom.
IUCN Status: Vulnerable WPA, 1972: Schedule II (accorded protection but with lesser restrictions compared to Schedule I) |
PYQ:[2010] King Cobra is the only snake that makes its own nest. Why does it make its nest? (a) It is a snake-eater and the nest helps attract other snakes |
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