Observe and photograph a species in its natural habitat
Learn where and when to observe a species in the wild, how to recognize it in the field, and what habitats it lives in. Get photography tips adapted to its behavior and capture stunning images without disturbing the animal. For full details, open the complete profile in the WildlifePhotographer app.
King cobra
Scientific name: Ophiophagus hannah
IUCN Status: Vulnerable
Family: ELAPIDAE
Group: Reptiles
Shyness: Very shy
Safe distance: 5 m
Breeding season / Courtship: 01.01-30.04
Gestation: 60–80 jours
Births: 01.09-30.11
Habitat:
Tropical forests, mangroves and wetlands
Description:
The king cobra is a large venomous snake in the family Elapidae, reaching 3–4 m in length, with olive-brown body and a lighter dorsal hood. It inhabits tropical forests, mangroves and wetlands, feeding mainly on other snakes, small mammals and birds. During breeding season, males engage in ritual combat and females build a leaf nest to lay 21–40 eggs.
Recommended lens:
>=200 mm
Photography tips:
Position yourself discreetly at the forest edge near water, remain still and anticipate its undulating movements; use a fast shutter speed and shallow depth of field to isolate its silhouette against foliage.
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