Deadly venomous King cobra is not a true cobra!

The King cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) is the longest venomous snake in the world. It is also one of the most famous snakes on our planet. Did you know that the King cobra is not a true cobra? True cobras belong to genus Naja. So, which snakes are the closest relatives of the King cobra? You might be surprised by the answer - mambas! Two longest venomous snakes in the world, the King cobra and the Black mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis) are much closer related than you probably thought! Should the King cobra be called the King mamba???

[georgemallory]

This was fantastic. The black mamba and the king cobra are the two snakes I fear the most. After that, probably the reticulated python and green anaconda. I had no idea the king wasn't really a cobra. I actually guessed correctly that its closest genetic relative was the mamba family. This was so informative. I loved the peaceful, hands off video and seeing these specimens in their natural surroundings. Top flight video.

[shawradeepdas]

I have seen a lot of King Cobras as i am from India but never knew that they are closely related to Mambas...Thanks for educating us in a very nice and interesting manner!!🙏😊

[victorcarbino]

I was having a hard time finding out why the king is not a true a cobra, beyond being classified in their own genus, but this video gave me a better understanding. I know understand why they are classed differently. Thanks, team Living Zoology.

[thebenefactor]

King cobras got the ultimate "get off my lawn" stare. I'm not even gonna deliver flyers to that house.

[emilemontiere]

Its interesting to hear the link between King Cobras and Mambas considering they exist on different continents. Beautiful photography as always. Many thanks again.

[seshasatyakrishna]

King cobra asserts:
" People say we are close relatives.. but nah!!.. I'm the snake and they are just my snack.. hahaha!!!"

[lewashcliffe]

You two are such amazing naturalists and photographers. Also, you are wonderful educators! Thank you for all you do to bring these beautiful creatures to us and to teach us so much about our wonderful natural world!

[BobbyTucker]

The colors and the clarity of these videos are incredible, I have subbed, left a thumbs up, and a tap on the bell. Everything about the videos are second to none, please don't stop now. God Bless you.

[Seventeen_Syllables]

Never underestimate the value of trivia, or of a bit of extra knowledge, about venomous reptiles! My only wild encounters with venomous snakes was in SoCal with rattlesnakes, but my encounters with people who live there and know nothing about them (any of the native species) is pretty stunning; most of them can't even tell a rattlesnake from a rosy boa. Keep on teaching!

[najamossambica]

Very interesting! I know O. hannah are near related to Dendroaspis, but i didn't know O. hannah are good climbers.
Like everytime nice footage. You are the best channel for snake-content🐍, 💚thanks for your work!💚

[TheGForceJunkie]

It is really the true King of snakes. You've seen probably thousands of snakes, so is it really the only snake which builds a nest for her eggs or are there others too? And again, unbelievable footage of the most intelligent snake on earth. Thanks again for your work 🐍👌

[mkannampallil]

What a wonderful video! In addition to the beautiful descriptions and footage, I really appreciate the lack of songs and unnecessary sounds, and sticking to simple field recordings! Cheers!

[sonofacheron]

Beautiful. Could watch this footage for hours. The informative but unobtrusive text gets relevant information across without the need for an obnoxious narrator. Your work will stand the test of time — thank you for your dedication.

[welshskies]

At Christmas we had a family quiz, everybody had to think up five questions on a subject of our choice, I chose the subject of snakes (of course). One of the questions I asked was "Why is the king cobra not the king of cobras?". Nobody knew the answer. 😄

[jazzbariman]

This is probably the one video of yours that features most if not all of the species of snakes I am most fascinated by and would love to see in their native habitats. To see a King Cobra out in the wild would be a joy and a real experience. One question about the venoms of the mambas and the King Cobra. How close are they all to each other? Would the antivenin of one work on the others? How long after the cataloging of the species of cobras and mambas was the connection between the King Cobra and the mambas made? Is this a relatively recent discovery? Lastly, what are asps? Are they a separate species from the cobras and mambas? I notice the scientific names of the mambas hint at a the word asp. I am always left with questions after watching your videos and I love that. If one is interested in these species of snakes, this the channel to go to. No one else comes close to the knowledge presented about these snakes. I love your channel. Thank you again for a great video on some of my favorite species of snakes. You do a great job with everything here. A great job!! I am looking forward to your next video. Enjoy the adventures you are on!!

[barry]

Simply the best most INFORMATIVE snake videos I’ve seen, thanks so much. I have subscribed. I have many photos of snakes from inland Australian, all taken in action on site. I just wish I had the same stunning quality. Take care

[SDMacMan]

The King Cobra is one scary looking snake. Its that cold stare.

[Steevee]

Tremendous factually accurate video - outstanding content! Many thanks for your expertise and diligent presentation!

[auroraborealis]

Amazing video, as always. I'd just like to highlight, that the first King (or Queen) displayed in this video (also at about 7:13 8:01 9:55 10:08) is an absolute stunner. Lots of darker scales, which are absolutely gorgeous.

[noinktechnique]

I love that this was all communicated with simple short informative text and a complete absnece of dramatization through music. Just examples of these beautiful creatures in their natural state, if not quite always their natural habitat.