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King Cobra Discovered in Western Ghats Officially Named Ophiophagus Kaalinga.

Environment | Dated: 30 Nov 2024

Eshwar Khandre, Cabinet Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment, Government of Karnataka, officially named the king cobra found in the Western Ghats as 'Ophiophagus Kaalinga'.

🎯 Key Highlights:

  • - The specific name "Kaalinga" derives from Kannada, meaning "dark," reflecting the snake's coloration and cultural significance in Karnataka.
  • - It features a blackish-brown body adorned with pale bands and a lighter creamy yellow belly. It is recognized for its impressive size, often exceeding 10 feet in length.

💡 Other Important Facts:

  • (i) This announcement was made following extensive research led by wildlife biologist P. Gowri Shankar and his team, which identified the distinct genetic lineage of this snake, previously classified under a single species.
  • (ii) Alongside Ophiophagus Kaalinga, the other identified species include Ophiophagus hannah (the northern king cobra), Ophiophagus bungarus (the unda king cobra), and Ophiophagus salvatana (the Luzon king cobra).

📚 Test Your Knowledge:

Recently, the King Cobra found in the Western Ghats was officially named:

Correct Answer: Ophiophagus Kaalinga

🚀 Quick Recap: