Status and distribution of King Cobra in Southern Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal

Abstract

Altogether 12 sightings of King Cobra were recorded in the lower region of Annapurna Conservation Area. These include 11 opportunistic sightings and a record from grey literature. These sightings were made between 2016 and 2018 of which two were nest records. All records were from southern belt of Annapurna Conservation Area. The elevation range of the locations ranged from 832 m to 1984 m. The King Cobra nests were intensively monitored with 2 to 5 camera traps to check hatching success rate, behaviour and status. The two nests had a hatching success of 100% and 92% respectively.