Ophiophagus hannah
Silhouette: V. Deepak · PhyloPic
In 3 days ~30% in a week ~60%
The king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) is a species complex of snakes endemic to Asia. With an average length of 3.18 to 4 m (10.4 to 13.1 ft) and a record length of 5.85 m (19.2 ft), it is the world's longest venomous snake and among the heaviest. Under the genus Ophiophagus, it is not phylogenetically a true cobra despite its common name and some resemblance. Spanning from the Indian subcontinent through Southeastern Asia to Southern China, the king cobra is widely distributed albeit not commonly seen.
Individuals have diversified colouration across its habitats, from black with white strips to unbroken brownish grey, although after taxonomic re-evaluation, it is no longer the sole member of its genus but is now a species complex; these differences in pattern and other aspects may cause the genus to be split into at least four species, spread across its large geographic range.
It chiefly hunts other snakes, including those of its own kind, although other lizards and rodents are also occasional prey. This is the only ophidian that constructs an above-ground nest for its eggs, which are purposefully and meticulously gathered and protected by the female throughout the incubation period. Typical threat display of this elapid includes neck-flap spreading, head raising, hissing and sometimes charging. Capable of striking at a considerable range and height with an immense venom yield, envenomation from this species may induce rapid onset of neurotoxic and cytotoxic symptoms, requiring prompt antivenom administration. Despite the fearsome reputation, aggression toward humans usually only arises from an individual inadvertently exposing itself or being cornered; encounters happen through chance, including negative interactions.
Threatened by habitat destruction, it has been listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List since 2010. Regarded as the national reptile of India, it has an eminent position in the mythology and folk traditions of India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Myanmar. Wikipedia →
| # | Park | Country | Daily sighting probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kaeng Krachan National Park | 🇹🇭 Thailand | |
| 2 | Khao Yai National Park | 🇹🇭 Thailand |
| # | Zoo / Centre | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | San Diego Zoo | 🇺🇸 United States | |
| 2 | Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden | 🇺🇸 United States | |
| 3 | Australia Zoo | 🇦🇺 Australia | |
| 4 | Cabarceno Natural Park | 🇪🇸 Spain | |
| 5 | Zoo Pilsen | 🇨🇿 Czechia | |
| 6 | Nandankanan Zoological Park | 🇮🇳 India | |
| 7 | Nehru Zoological Park | 🇮🇳 India | |
| 8 | Bronx Zoo | 🇺🇸 United States | |
| 9 | Toledo Zoo | 🇺🇸 United States | |
| 10 | Guangzhou Zoo | 🇨🇳 China | |
| 11 | Saint Louis Zoo | 🇺🇸 United States | |
| 12 | Fort Worth Zoo | 🇺🇸 United States | |
| 13 | Virginia Zoological Park | 🇺🇸 United States | |
| 14 | Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens | 🇻🇳 Vietnam | |
| 15 | Faunia | 🇪🇸 Spain | |
| 16 | Riverbanks Zoo | 🇺🇸 United States | |
| 17 | Reptile Gardens | 🇺🇸 United States | |
| 18 | Siam Serpentarium | 🇹🇭 Thailand | |
| 19 | Snake Farm of Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute | 🇹🇭 Thailand | |
| 20 | Underwater World Pattaya | 🇹🇭 Thailand | |
| 21 | Terrariet | 🇩🇰 Denmark | |
| 22 | Città della Domenica | 🇮🇹 Italy | |
| 23 | Seattle Marine Aquarium | 🇺🇸 United States |
With luck
About 10% of wildlife watchers report a King Cobra sighting in Kaeng Krachan National Park on a given day, based on 19 verified sightings from GBIF citizen-science data from 2019 to 2026. It is the 29th most-seen of the 56 reptiles we can rate there. Over three days the chance rises to about 30%, and over a week to about 60%, if each day is a fresh chance.
March, June, August and October
In those months about 20% of wildlife watchers report a King Cobra in Kaeng Krachan National Park on a given day, against under 5% in July and September, the lowest months.
Between 9 am and noon
Across all the parks we cover, that three-hour window holds the most King Cobra sightings with a recorded time, and about 7 in 10 of them come between 6 am and 6 pm: it is a daytime animal.
Yes
Of the 2 parks where we can rate King Cobra sightings, Kaeng Krachan National Park has the highest daily chance: about 10%. Next come Khao Yai National Park (Thailand, about 10%).
GBIF citizen-science records
It is estimated from how often the King Cobra is recorded against all the reptiles logged in Kaeng Krachan National Park (19 verified sightings from 2019 to 2026), calibrated against known sighting rates. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10% because citizen-science data supports honest approximations, not decimals, and months with records from fewer than five people show "—". How it works.
