Field Museum Scientists Rename King Cobras After 4 New Species Discovered

New Research Reveals Four Separate Species of King Cobras

While they haven’t slithered on earth for up to a century, some snake specimens at the Field Museum helped researchers discover four species of king cobra.

Previously, all king cobras were considered one species, but research published last year that included examining Field Museum specimens confirmed king cobras include four species based on DNA and physical differences.

Physical and DNA Differences Identify Four Species

Each species is predominantly present in one region: Ophiophagus hannah from mainland Asia, Ophiophagus bungarus from Southeast Asia, Ophiophagus kaalinga from the Western Ghats of India and Ophiophagus salvatana from the Philippines’ main northern island of Luzon.

Reclassification of Field Museum Specimens

Just in time for the Lunar New Year marking the beginning of the Year of the Snake, Field Museum scientists are now reclassifying and renaming the 37 king cobra specimens, preserved in ethanol in jars in the Field Museum basement, some collected as early as the 1920s, in the museum’s catalog to coordinate with the new research.

Potential Impact on Conservation Efforts

Before splitting the cobras into species, it was believed king cobras were at risk of extinction. Now that king cobras comprise four separate species, each could have a different level of vulnerability.

“We need to reevaluate these four species to determine what are their actual extinction risks,” said Stephen Mahony, Field Museum research associate.

Future Research and Conservation Opportunities

Some types of venom can be used to create medications and drugs for human use, and it’s possible different toxins are present depending on the species, Ruane said. The discovery of the new species could also spur further development of more effective antivenom products targeting a specific toxin based on the species.

Of the four recently discovered species, the Field Museum has three of them in its collection. The fourth could also be present at the museum, but further DNA analysis would be needed to know for sure, said Chun Kamei, a herpetologist at the museum.

Conclusion

The discovery of four new species of king cobras highlights the importance of continued research and conservation efforts. As scientists continue to study and learn more about these species, they may uncover new insights into their biology, behavior, and habitat.

FAQs

Q: What are the four new species of king cobras?
A: The four new species are Ophiophagus hannah from mainland Asia, Ophiophagus bungarus from Southeast Asia, Ophiophagus kaalinga from the Western Ghats of India, and Ophiophagus salvatana from the Philippines’ main northern island of Luzon.

Q: What are the physical and DNA differences between the species?
A: The species can be distinguished by physical characteristics such as the number of a certain type of teeth or the number and width of bands around the snake’s body, as well as DNA analysis.

Q: What are the implications for conservation efforts?
A: The discovery of four separate species means that each species may have a different level of vulnerability, and conservation efforts may need to be tailored to each species.

Q: What are the potential applications of the venom from these species?
A: The venom from these species may be used to create medications and drugs for human use, and different toxins may be present depending on the species.