Ophiophagus hannah

Very large, sturdy terrarium, perfectly escape-proof, with double-safety locking, a sliding hide box and a service airlock

A powerful, active snake and good climber (especially as a juvenile): provide sturdy branches, large hides at both ends and a water basin. Any enclosure must be lockable and flawless, as a king cobra actively tests exits. PROTECTED species (CITES Appendix II; IUCN Vulnerable): keeping and transfer are subject to authorisation, marking and a certificate of competence according to local regulations.

Tropical humidity of 60 to 80%, with regular misting and good ventilation to avoid stagnation. Poorly managed humidity (too dry or stagnant) promotes incomplete sheds and infections.

Favour a moisture-retaining, absorbent substrate that is easy to sanitise; avoid dusty or overly dry substrates. Sufficient depth to allow slight burrowing and to maintain humidity.

Low to medium-index UVB lighting (T5 tube ~5-6%, placed at a proper distance with a shaded zone) is beneficial for this diurnal snake and supports its metabolism, without being strictly essential if the diet is balanced.

A large, heavy and stable water container, big enough to allow drinking and partial immersion; the king cobra drinks heavily and bathes readily. Renew the water frequently (it soils quickly) and disinfect regularly.

South and Southeast Asia: India, southern China, mainland Southeast Asia, the Malay Peninsula, Indonesia and the Philippines. Occupies dense forests, wooded edges, plantations and mangroves, often near water, from sea level up to about 2000 m altitude.

Ophiophagous (strict snake specialist) — Other snakes (colubrids, rat snakes, pythons, even other cobras); occasionally monitor lizards/lizards

A natural diet dominated by other snakes, which complicates captivity. Some individuals accept substitute prey after conditioning (rodents or meat sausages scented with snake odour), but the transition is difficult and uncertain. Feed IMPERATIVELY at a distance with long tongs, the animal restrained, following the venom safety protocol.

Clutch 20–40 eggs/young. A unique case among snakes: the female builds a nest of dead leaves and actively guards her clutch. Incubation of about 60 to 90 days, around 27-28 °C. The guarding female is particularly defensive: increased caution during this period.

• Respiratory infections (often linked to keeping too cold, too dry or poorly ventilated)
• Stomatitis (mouth rot)
• Internal and external parasites, very common in wild-caught specimens
• Dermatitis / scale necrosis (unsuitable hygiene or humidity)
• Food refusal, regurgitation and weight loss (stress, difficulty transitioning diet)