AP forest for ''King Cobra Project''

Machilipatnam, Nov 30 (UNI) The Andhra Pradesh government is contemplating to demarcate the Saluru Forest Area of Srikakulam district for the ''King Cobra Project'', an official said today.

Speaking to UNI on condition of anonymity, the official spokesman of the Forest and Environment Department here said the area has been found suitable for breeding 'King Cobras' as some of the species had been sighted there.

The government will also procure snakes from other areas and release them into the Saluru Forest in a bid to increase the population of the reptile.

Largest of the poisonous land snakes, the 'King Cobra', can deliver enough venom to kill a full grown Asian elephant in three hours.

It is the largest of its kind growing up to 18.5 feet in length and weighing up to 20 kg.

With a life span of 20 years, the 'King Cobra' is peculiar in the sense it feeds almost exclusively on other snakes, including pythons.

While its population has dropped due to destruction of forests, it does not face extinction, the spokesman said.

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