Ophiophagus salvatana or the Luzon king cobra, is a species of king cobra that is endemic to the island of Luzon in northern Philippines.[1]
| Ophiophagus salvatana | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Elapidae |
| Genus: | Ophiophagus |
| Species: | O. salvatana
|
| Binomial name | |
| Ophiophagus salvatana Gowri Shankar, Das & Wüster, 2024
| |
Taxonomy
editThe Luzon king cobra was recognized as a distinct species by the European Journal of Taxonomy on October 16, 2024.[2]
Etymology
editThe last name of salvatana is the name for king cobra in the Tagalog language [1]
Description
editThe Luzon king cobra can grow to a length of up to 10 ft (3.0 m).[2] The Luzon king cobra lacks pale bands along the body, and fewer pterygoid teeth only having 11 compared to the other species having 18-21.[1]
Distribution and habitat
editThe Luzon king cobra is found only in Luzon and is one of two species of king cobra found in the Philippines, with the other being the Sunda king cobra (Ophiophagus bungarus).[3]
Conservation
editAs a member of the king cobra family, the Luzon king cobra is also considered as "vulnerable" under the IUCN Red List.[2] However due to the fact this was before the fact the species split it may need reassessment, as the Luzon king cobra has a more restrictive range.[1]
References
edit- ^ a b c d "Taxonomic revision of the king cobra Ophiophagus hannah (Cantor, 1836) species complex (Reptilia: Serpentes: Elapidae), with the description of two new species". European Journal of Taxonomy.
- ^ a b c "Bagong nadiskubre na species ng king cobra, tanging sa Luzon lang makikita". GMA News (in Tagalog). October 22, 2024. Retrieved October 22, 2024.
- ^ "New king cobra species in Luzon identified". GMA News. October 22, 2024. Retrieved October 22, 2024.
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