Central Asian Cobra
Naja oxiana
Conservation Status
Near ThreatenedReptilia · Elapidae
About
The Caspian cobra, also called the Persian cobra or Russian cobra, is a species of highly venomous snake in the family Elapidae. The species is endemic to Central Asia. First described by Karl Eichwald, a German physician, in 1831, it was for many years considered to be a subspecies of the Naja naja until genetic analysis revealed it to be a distinct species.
Fun Fact
A study analyzing the toxic fractions of Naja oxiana venom from Iran indicated that toxic fractions constituted 78% by weight of crude venom of this species, similar to Naja naja.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Found in arid and semiarid, rocky or stony, shrub- or scrub-covered foothills at elevations up to about 3,000 m (9,800 ft) above sea level.
Diet
Feeds on other snakes.
Lifespan
10 years
Threats
- Habitat Change
- Hunting and Collection
- Climate Change