Your wildlife photography guide.
Explore the king cobra in detail, study its behavior, prepare your shots.
Where to observe and photograph the king cobra in the wild
Learn where and when to spot the king cobra in the wild, how to identify the species based on distinctive features, and what natural environments it inhabits. The WildlifePhotographer app offers tailored photography tips that reflect the king cobra’s behavior, helping you capture better wildlife images. Explore the full species profile for key information including description, habitat, active periods, and approach techniques.
King cobra
Scientific name: Ophiophagus hannah
IUCN Status: Vulnerable
Family: ELAPIDAE
Group: Reptiles
Sensitivity to human approach: Very shy
Minimum approach distance: 5 m
Reproduction period: April to September
Incubation: 60–80 jours
Births: April to September
Habitat:
Tropical forests, mangroves and wetlands
Activity period :
Active during the day when temperatures are favorable, often seen basking in the sun.
Identification and 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 – adjust based on distance, desired framing (portrait or habitat), and approach conditions.
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.
The WildlifePhotographer App is coming soon!
Be the first to explore the best nature spots, track rutting seasons, log your observations, and observe more wildlife.
Already 1 406 wildlife lovers subscribed worldwide