Andaman Cobra
Naja sagittifera
A cobra endemic to the Andaman Islands in the Bay of Bengal, isolated from mainland cobra populations for a long evolutionary period.
- Adult length
- 1-1.5 m (3.3-5 ft)
- Range
- Andaman Islands, India (Bay of Bengal)
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Overview
The Andaman cobra is endemic to the Andaman Islands, an isolated archipelago in the Bay of Bengal belonging to India. Its isolation from mainland Asian cobra populations has allowed it to be recognized as a genetically and morphologically distinct species.
It is an elapid and is not classified among the true spitting cobras.
How to identify it
- Adults typically 1-1.5 m in length.
- Coloration usually yellowish-brown to dark brown, sometimes with a lighter, arrow-like or shield-shaped mark on the hood.
- Smooth scales, round pupils, forms a broad hood when threatened.
- Distinguished from mainland Indian cobras by its restricted island range and subtle differences in hood markings and scalation.
Habitat & range
Restricted to the Andaman Islands in the Bay of Bengal, where it inhabits coastal forest, agricultural land, and areas near human settlements, often sheltering in burrows, rock crevices, or under vegetation.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Primarily nocturnal, hunting rodents, frogs, and other small vertebrates. It can rear up and spread a broad hood when threatened. It is oviparous, with clutches of roughly 10-20 eggs.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Andaman cobra found?
It is endemic to the Andaman Islands in the Bay of Bengal, part of India.
How big does it get?
Adults typically reach 1-1.5 m (3.3-5 ft).
Andaman Cobra guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Andaman Cobra.
