At Terra Natura Benidorm we have incorporated a new specimen of the monocle cobra (Naja kaouthia) to the family of reptiles that lives here, and currently there are 60 different species including elapids, colubrid, vipers, boids, crotalids, saurian, amphibians and arthropods. The monocle cobra receives its curious name from a mark that it has in a circular shape in the neck area.

The new specimen weighs around two kilos and measures 1.4 metres length. Now, we have a couple of this species along with the albino female of two kilos weight and 1.5 metres length that has lived in Terra Natura Benidorm since 2015. Albinism is quite frequent in pythons, but not in cobras. In this albino female, her monocle is clearly visible with white and reddish colours. This cobra is a species that is not particularly threatened, although it is included in appendix II of the CITES convention.

Both specimens will share a facility, located in the Asian area. The enclosure has an area of ​​eight square metres and is divided into two parts. A first area of ​​three-square metres and another one of five- square metres, both with containment boxes for times when it is necessary to isolate these animals for their handling in a totally safe way. These areas have water, humidification and heating system, as well as plants and branches to promote environmental enrichment.

As soon as he arrived at the park, our veterinary team carried out a physical and stool examination. Veterinarians took advantage of the physical examination to implant a microchip. The incorporation of this new monocle cobra seeks to promote scientific dissemination and show the problems that exist worldwide with accidents between humans and snakes.

These accidents usually happen because humans invade the natural space of snakes, causing unwanted interactions with these animals, said David Martí, herpetologist of Terra Natura benidorm. On the other hand, the study of these animals makes possible to develop antidotes for their bites and even drugs to treat pathologies such as cancer, diabetes, epilepsy, among others.