Cobras general
[Dr. Farokh Master]
My interest
began in the field of herpetology a few decades ago. About 15 years back I
wrote a book, Naja Naja Naja which was well received by the profession. My
interest didn’t stop there but only grew. My fascination
towards the
snake Cobra was aroused due to its highly poisonous venom.
Hence my
curiosity led me to wonder what symptoms this potentised toxic venom would
produce in healthy human beings. I selected the three most poisonous cobras
namely, Naja Haje, Naja Mossambica Pallida and
Ophiophagus
Hannah. Even though all the three cobras are quite different from each other
there is a common theme running through the proving. I was happy the day the
proving was placed on my desk as I finally saw my
dream
materializing.
Introduction
A cobra is
a venomous snake belonging to the family Elapidae. The name is short for cobra
de capelo, which is Portuguese for "snake with hood", or
"hood-snake". When disturbed, most of these snakes can rear up and
spread
their neck (or hood) in a characteristic threat display. However, not all
snakes referred to as cobras are of the same genus, or even of the same family
Cobra may
refer to:
• Any
member of the genus Naja, also known as typical cobras (with the characteristic
ability to raise the front quarters of their bodies off the ground and flatten
their necks in a threatening gesture), a group
of venomous
elapids found in Africa and Asia. Naja is a genus of venomous elapid snakes.
Although there are several other genera that share the common name, naja are
the most recognized, and most widespread group
of snakes
commonly known as cobras. The genus Naja consists of from 20 to 22 species, but
has undergone several taxonomic revisions in recent years, so sources vary
greatly.
Habitat throughout
Africa, the Middle-East, India, southeastern Asia, and Indonesia.
• Any
member of the genus Boulengerina, (= water cobras), a group of venomous elapids
found in Africa.
• Any
member of the genus Aspidelaps, (= shield-nose cobras or coral snakes) a group
of venomous elapids found in Africa.
• Any
member of the genus Pseudohaje, (= tree cobras) a group of venomous elapids
found in Africa.
• Paranaja
multifasciata, (= the burrowing cobra) a venomous elapid species found in
Africa.
•
Ophiophagus hannah, (= the king cobra) a venomous elapid species found in India
and southern Asia.
•
Hemachatus haemachatus, (= the spitting cobra or ringhals) a venomous elapid
species found in Africa.
• Micrurus
fulvius, (= American cobra or eastern coral snake) a venomous elapid species
found in the southeastern U.S.
•
Hydrodynastes gigas, (= false water cobra) a mildly venomous colubrid species
found in S. America.
• A
taxonomic synonym for the genus Bitis (= puff adders) a group of venomous
vipers found in Africa and in the south of the Arabian Peninsula.
Venom
All species
in the genus Naja are capable of delivering a fatal bite in a human being. Most
species have strong neurotoxic venom, which attacks the nervous system, causing
paralysis, but many also have hemotoxic features
which
causes swelling, necrosis and has a significant anticoagulant effect. Several
Naja species, referred to as spitting cobras, have developed a specialized
venom delivery mechanism, in which their front fangs, instead
of
releasing venom through the tips, as a hypodermic needle, have a rifled opening
in the front surface, which allows the snake to propel the venom out of the
mouth. While typically referred to as spitting, the action is more
like
squirting. The range and accuracy with which they can shoot their venom varies
from species to species, but it is used primarily as a defense mechanism. Once
sprayed onto a victim's skin, the venom acts as a severe
irritant.
If it is introduced to the eye, it can cause a severe burning sensation and
temporary or even permanent blindness if not cleaned out immediately and
thoroughly.
Vorwort/Suchen. Zeichen/Abkürzungen. Impressum.