Context: A king cobra species from the Western Ghats, known as “Kalinga Sarpa,” will now be officially named Ophiophagus kaalinga.

• After nearly a decade of research, genetic analysis confirmed it as a distinct lineage among four recognized king cobra species.

About the Species

• Ophiophagus Kaalinga is found in the Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot in South India, specifically in regions like Agumbe, Karnataka.

• The Western Ghats is known for its rich variety of flora and fauna and is considered one of the world's eight "hottest hotspots" of biological diversity.

• This species has fewer than 40 bands on its body.

• Species Differentiation: Historically, all king cobras were classified under a single species Ophiophagus hannah. However, after extensive genetic research, it was found that there are four different lineages of king cobras across Asia, each living in different regions:

1. Western Ghats lineage (now identified as Ophiophagus Kaalinga)

2. Indo-Chinese lineage

3. Indo-Malaysian lineage

4. Luzon Island lineage (from the Philippines, named Ophiophagus Salvatana)

Significance

• The formal naming of this species is not just a taxonomic achievement, but it also has ecological and medical implications. For example, there is currently no specific anti-venom for king cobra bites in India. The identification of distinct species like Ophiophagus Kaalinga could lead to the development of targeted anti-venoms and better medical treatments for bites.

• King cobra venom, though not the most potent in terms of toxicity, is still highly dangerous due to the large amount of venom they can deliver in a single bite. Their venom acts as a neurotoxin, affecting the respiratory system and leading to respiratory failure and cardiac arrest.

Behaviour

• The king cobra is unique in that it is the only snake species in the world known to build nests. Female king cobras guard their nests, which can measure 4 feet by 3 feet, and lay 23-43 eggs. After laying the eggs, the mother leaves the nest, and the hatchlings emerge on their own.

• King cobras are territorial and aggressive when threatened, but they are also highly revered in local cultures due to their powerful and majestic presence.

Conservation status: king cobra is presently categorised:

• 'Vulnerable' on Red List of Threatened Species by International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

• Appendix II of Convention on International Trade on Endangered Species (Cites)