Samar cobra

Naja samarensis

This is a species in cobra native in the southern Philippines. Distribution ranges from the islands of Dinagat, Siargao, Camiguin Sur, Bohol, Leyte, Samar and Mindanao (including Bukidnon, Agusan Province, Lanao Province, Misamis Occidental and the Zamboanga Peninsula). It has a wide range of habitats from tropical moist forest to low-lying plains and dry forested regions. This species was also observed in agricultural areas like rice fields, pineapple plantations, coconut groves and rural villages. This species was able to tolerate a degree of habitat modification thereby listing as least concern, not qualify for listing in threatened category.

 

Identification

The species is medium in length ranging from 1-1.3m with stocky and heavy-bodied and long cervical ribs capable if expansion to form a hood. Head is elliptical, depressed and slightly distinct from the neck. It feeds mostly on small animals, frogs and other snakes. It will seek to escape when disturbed like other cobras and will rear up and strike when concerned. This species rarely spits venom.