Animal: Cobra

Scientific Name: Naga haje

Animal Type: Reptile

Habitats: Prairie and Steppe and Savanna

The Cobra:

The Cobra is a type of snake characterized by its large hood around its head. It displays this hood when it is threatened.

Physical Characteristics:

As snakes, cobras have long and slender bodies with smooth scales. One of their main distinguishing characterisics, their head is covered with large scales and a hood that can be displayed; it is not always distinct from the neck. In addition, their behavior is usually quite active and most are oviparous, meaning they eat the eggs of other creatures.

Cobras have a pair of fangs that are used to inject venom from glands located towards the rear of the upper jaws. The fangs are the first two teeth on each maxillary bone, which are enlarged and hollow, and usually only one is in place on each side at any time. They tend to use their venom both to immobilize their prey and sometimes in self-defense.

Food Chain:

Cobras prey on small mammals, lizards, toads, and other snakes, including the puff adder and Cape Cobra. King Cobras are known to prey on other snakes, even venomous ones.

Habitat features:

Cobras generally inhabit savanna and desert regions of Asia and Africa.