Eastern Brown Snake vs. King Cobra Snake

Attribute	Eastern Brown Snake	King Cobra Snake
Species	Pseudonaja textilis	Ophiophagus hannah
Length	1.5 - 2 meters	3 - 4 meters
Geographic Range	Australia	Southeast Asia
Venom	Highly venomous	Highly venomous
Coloration	Brown with darker bands	Olive green with black bands

Physical Attributes

The Eastern Brown Snake, scientifically known as Pseudonaja textilis, is a highly venomous snake native to Australia. It is slender and can grow up to 2 meters in length. This snake has a brown or grey color with a cream or yellow underside. On the other hand, the King Cobra, scientifically known as Ophiophagus hannah, is the longest venomous snake in the world. It can reach lengths of up to 18 feet. The King Cobra has a distinctive olive-green color with yellow bands and a cream-colored underside.

Venom

The Eastern Brown Snake is known for its potent venom, which is highly neurotoxic and can cause paralysis and respiratory failure in its victims. Its venom is considered to be one of the most toxic of all snake species. In contrast, the King Cobra's venom is primarily neurotoxic, affecting the nervous system of its prey. The venom of the King Cobra is less potent than that of the Eastern Brown Snake, but it delivers a larger quantity in a single bite.

Behavior

The Eastern Brown Snake is known for its aggressive behavior when threatened. It will often stand its ground and strike repeatedly if provoked. This snake is also known for its speed and agility, making it a formidable predator. On the other hand, the King Cobra is known for its intelligence and cunning behavior. It is a shy snake that will usually try to avoid confrontation, but if cornered, it will rear up and spread its hood as a warning display.

Habitat

The Eastern Brown Snake is found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, woodlands, and coastal areas. It is commonly found in rural and urban areas, where it preys on rodents and other small animals. In contrast, the King Cobra is found in the forests of Southeast Asia, including India, Indonesia, and the Philippines. It prefers dense vegetation and is often found near water sources, where it hunts for prey such as other snakes and small mammals.

Reproduction

The Eastern Brown Snake is oviparous, meaning it lays eggs to reproduce. The female will lay a clutch of up to 20 eggs, which she will guard until they hatch. The young snakes are independent from birth and must fend for themselves. On the other hand, the King Cobra is also oviparous, laying a clutch of eggs in a nest made of leaves and twigs. The female will guard the nest until the eggs hatch, and she may even protect the young snakes for a short period after they emerge.

Conservation Status

The Eastern Brown Snake is not currently listed as threatened or endangered. However, it faces threats from habitat loss and persecution by humans. Efforts are being made to educate the public about the importance of these snakes in controlling rodent populations. In contrast, the King Cobra is listed as vulnerable by the IUCN Red List due to habitat destruction and poaching for its skin and organs. Conservation efforts are underway to protect this iconic species and its habitat.