Cobra

Alert

Have you seen Cobra?

Be on the lookout for Cobra and report it to Biosecurity Queensland. Early detection and reporting are the key elements in preventing Cobras from becoming a major problem in Queensland.

Call us on 13 25 23.

Juvenile Indian cobra

Juvenile Indian cobra

© Gopal Venkatesan Creative Commons

Arabian Cobra

Arabian Cobra

© Moayed Bahajjaj Creative Commons

King cobra

King cobra

© D R Burtoni Creative Commons

Native to Africa and Asia, including Indonesia, cobras are long, slender snakes that can produce a hood when threatened. The cobra family includes 30 species. To date, no cobra species have naturalised in Australia, but many could thrive in parts of Queensland if introduced.

Cobras are highly prized by reptile keepers, but their venom can kill humans, and introduced populations would prey on native wildlife. To prevent cobras from establishing in Queensland, restrictions apply to their import, possession and sale.

You must not keep, feed, move, give away, sell or release into the environment. Penalties may apply.

You must report all sightings to Biosecurity Queensland within 24 hours.

Scientific name

Approximately 30 species in 7 genera (Aspidelaps, Boulengerina, Hemachatus, Naja, Ophiophagus, Pseudohaje, Walterinnesia)

Description

  • Long, slender, smooth-scaled snake able to produce hood around head when threatened.
  • Cobras are generally up to 2m long, but longest species (king cobra) reaches 4–5m.
  • Heads are typically covered with large scales.
  • Eyes have round pupils.
  • Fangs are hollow, located at front of upper jaw.

Habitat

  • Found in forest, grassland, desert, cultivated areas.
  • Some species are considered habitat generalists.

Distribution

  • Wild populations not yet recorded in Queensland.
  • Cobras are kept in Australia under permit in places such as zoos, reptile parks and research facilities.

Life cycle

  • Breeding usually occurs in spring.
  • Most cobras lay eggs, except for Hemachatus hemachatus, which has live young.
  • Generally 2–20 eggs per clutch.
  • Unusually, female king cobra builds nest and protects eggs before they hatch.

Affected animals

  • Native animals
  • Humans

Impacts

Environmental

  • Eats native species.
  • Out-competes native snakes for resources.

Social

  • Can kill humans.
  • Can harm or kill pets.

Natural enemies

  • Mongoose.

Control

Legal requirements

  • The cobra is a prohibited invasive animal under the Biosecurity Act 2014.
  • You must not keep, feed, move, give away, sell or release into the environment. Penalties may apply.
  • You must not take any action reasonably likely to exacerbate the biosecurity threat posed by cobras.
  • You must take any action that is reasonably likely to minimise the biosecurity threat posed by cobras.
  • You must report all sightings to Biosecurity Queensland within 24 hours.

Further information

  • Last reviewed: 3 Sep 2021
  • Last updated: 3 Sep 2021