Northern Philippine cobra

Naja philippinensis

This snake is found as the name implies in the northern part of the Philippines, in Luzon, Mindoro, Catanduanes and Masbate Islands. This is generally lowland species and is endemic in the Philippines. As one of the characteristics of Naja species, this snake also has this kind of traits wherein they can spit their venom up to 3 meters. Its venom affects cardiac and respiratory system that can cause neurotoxicity and paralysis and death of the patient in 30 minutes. Though they are highly venomous, they are heavily persecuted around the agricultural areas, collected for the exotic food trade and pet trade, making this species to be listed as near threatened. They are also collected and used for anti-venom production by Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM).

 

 

Identification

The snake has an average length of 1.7m but they can reach up to 2m in length. Its color ranges from light to medium brown in adults and darker brown in young cobra. Their scales ranges from 23-27 usually 25 around neck and 21 just ahead of mid-body and they are fairly stockily built. Diet includes mice, frogs and small animals.