Why in NEWS
A King Cobra from Pilikula Biological Park (Karnataka), exchanged for tigers under a conservation programme, died after being relocated to Bhopal’s Van Vihar National Park, raising concerns over animal transfer practices.
Key Terms / Concepts
| Term / Concept | Explanation |
|---|---|
| King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) | World’s longest venomous snake; primarily feeds on other snakes |
| Van Vihar National Park | Urban national park in Bhopal near the Ramsar-listed Upper Lake |
| IUCN: Vulnerable | Species faces a high risk of extinction in the wild |
| CITES Appendix II | Trade is regulated to prevent threats to survival |
| Wildlife Protection Act Schedule II | Provides partial protection with penalties for offenses |
| Conservation Breeding Centre | Facility focused on breeding and reintroducing endangered species |
News in Simple Terms
- A King Cobra died in Van Vihar, Bhopal, shortly after being brought from Karnataka under an animal exchange programme (2 king cobras for 2 tigers).
- The goal was to introduce King Cobras in Madhya Pradesh, where they are not naturally found.
- This incident has prompted questions about interstate animal transfers, health checks, and habitat adaptation of sensitive species.
King Cobra: Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Venom | Neurotoxic; used in pain-relief drugs like Cobroxin, Nyloxin |
| Behavior | Oviparous; only snake to build and guard a nest |
| Activity | Diurnal (active during daytime) |
| Diet | Predominantly other snakes (rat snakes, cobras, etc.) |
| Habitat | Rainforests, mangroves, riversides, bamboo thickets |
| Range | India, Southern China, Southeast Asia |
| Conservation | IUCN – Vulnerable, CITES – App. II, WPA – Sch. II |
About Van Vihar National Park
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh |
| Adjacent Waterbody | Upper Lake (Bada Talab) – Ramsar site |
| Special Role | Rescue and rehabilitation for wildlife in conflict |
| Breeding Focus | Hard Ground Barasingha, Gyps vultures |
In a Nutshell
Mnemonic – “KING NESTS WITH VENOM”
- King Cobra
- Nests actively
- World’s longest venomous
- Vulnerable under IUCN
Prelims Practice Questions
- Which of the following is true about King Cobra?
A) It is viviparous
B) It feeds mainly on mammals
C) It is the only snake that guards its nest
D) It is listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 - Consider the following pairs:
- Cobroxin – Pain reliever derived from snake venom
- Bada Talab – Part of Ramsar-listed Bhoj Wetland
- Hard Ground Barasingha – Found in Karnataka forests
Which are correctly matched?
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 1 and 3 only
C) 2 and 3 only
D) All three
- Which statement is NOT correct about Van Vihar National Park?
A) It houses a conservation centre for vultures
B) It is a major tiger reserve in Madhya Pradesh
C) It is located near a Ramsar site
D) It serves as a rescue centre for wild animals
Mains Practice Questions
- Discuss the ecological significance of King Cobras and the challenges involved in their conservation in India. (GS3 – Environment)
- Animal exchange programmes in India must balance conservation with animal welfare. Comment in light of the recent King Cobra death in Bhopal. (GS3 – Biodiversity Conservation)
Prelims Answers with Explanation
| Qn | Answer | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | C | King Cobra is the only snake known to build and guard its nest. |
| 2 | A | Hard Ground Barasingha is endemic to Madhya Pradesh, not Karnataka. |
| 3 | B | Van Vihar is not a designated tiger reserve. |
