Introduction

A king cobra from Mangalore zoo in Karnataka died at Bhopal’s Van Vihar zoo on June 18. The Chief Minister, Mohan Yadav, aims to reintroduce king cobras in Madhya Pradesh to counter snakebite deaths and intends to conduct a snake census to assess venomous snake populations in the state.

Challenges and Issues

Lack of Protocol and Feasibility

• There is no existing protocol for counting snakes in the wild due to feasibility concerns.
• There is skepticism about the historical existence of king cobras in Madhya Pradesh's dry forests.

King Cobra Habitat and Distribution

• King cobras thrive in humid, dark forests with dense vegetation, typically found in regions with high rainfall.
• Their range includes the Western Ghats, North Indian terai belt, Northeast India, and mangrove coastlines, but not typically in central India.

Scientific Findings and Concerns

Genetic and Geographic Variations

• A 2021 study identified four distinct genetic lineages of king cobras across Asia.
• The Western Ghats lineage, now considered a separate species (Ophiophagus kaalinga), differs from other Indian populations.

Risks of Hybridisation

• Introducing Western Ghats king cobras into Madhya Pradesh could lead to hybridisation, which experts advise against.

Conservation and Ecological Concerns

Challenges in Captive Breeding

• King cobras do not breed well in captivity, making population recovery efforts challenging.

Impact on Human Population

• King cobras tend to avoid human habitats, limiting their effectiveness in controlling venomous snake populations near humans.

Expert Opinions

• Experts question the feasibility and necessity of a snake census.
• It is suggested that sourcing king cobras from the Northeast might be more appropriate if taxonomic updates are considered.

Conclusion

The plan to reintroduce king cobras in Madhya Pradesh faces significant challenges, including ecological suitability, genetic issues, and practical hurdles in population management. The initiative requires careful consideration of scientific evidence and expert recommendations.