{ "item_title" : "The Complete Monocled Cobra Handbook", "item_author" : [" Jaflex Butler "], "item_description" : "Understanding the Monocled CobraThe monocled cobra, Naja kaouthia, is a highly distinctive elapid snake of South and Southeast Asia. Its common name comes from the characteristic single circular or oval marking often visible on the back of its expanded hood. This marking resembles a monocle and provides one of the most recognizable visual differences between the species and the familiar spectacle-shaped hood pattern associated with the Indian cobra. Beyond its appearance, the monocled cobra is an ecologically important predator whose adaptability allows it to occupy a surprisingly broad range of environments, including forests, wetlands, agricultural landscapes, and areas relatively close to settlements.Like other members of the genus Naja, the monocled cobra belongs to the family Elapidae, a group characterized by fixed front fangs and medically significant venom. The snake normally prefers to avoid unnecessary confrontation, but when threatened it can raise the front of its body, spread its elongated neck ribs to form a hood, and display a highly recognizable defensive posture. This display is fundamentally a warning response intended to discourage a perceived threat rather than evidence that the snake is constantly aggressive.The monocled cobra is also highly adaptable in its feeding and habitat use. Rodents, amphibians, reptiles, and other small vertebrates form important parts of the diet, allowing the species to take advantage of environments where prey is plentiful. Agricultural areas can provide abundant rodents, while wetlands and seasonally flooded habitats may support frogs and other prey. This ecological flexibility helps explain why monocled cobras may occasionally occur near farms, villages, storage areas, and other places where prey and shelter are available.Understanding this species requires more than focusing on its venom. Its geographic variation, physical development, predatory behavior, defensive communication, and changing appearance with age are all important parts of its biology. Taxonomic research has also refined the boundaries between Naja kaouthia and related Asian cobras, so older sources may sometimes apply the name to populations that newer studies treat differently. Current taxonomic references place Naja kaouthia across portions of South and Southeast Asia while recognizing that some historically included populations have been reassessed.Natural History, Origin, and Geographic DistributionThe monocled cobra evolved as part of the diverse Asian cobra radiation and is naturally associated with warm tropical and subtropical environments. Its present distribution includes parts of Bangladesh, northeastern and eastern India, Bhutan, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, northern Peninsular Malaysia, and parts of southern China, although precise range boundaries have changed as taxonomic work has separated some populations from Naja kaouthia. The Reptile Database, for example, reflects recent revisions that distinguish related forms previously included under the monocled cobra name.", "item_img_path" : "https://covers4.booksamillion.com/covers/bam/9/79/816/115/9798161158883_b.jpg", "price_data" : { "retail_price" : "18.99", "online_price" : "18.99", "our_price" : "18.99", "club_price" : "18.99", "savings_pct" : "0", "savings_amt" : "0.00", "club_savings_pct" : "0", "club_savings_amt" : "0.00", "discount_pct" : "10", "store_price" : "" } }

Overview

Customers Also Bought

Details