Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (NR)

Mangalore, Nov 19:  In view of the alarming declining ratio of the rare species of King Cobras, the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) being seized of the matter, has selected Pilikula Nisargadhama Biological Park (PBP) at Moodushedde, about 12 kms from the city as a captive breeding centre for the King Cobras, informed a top official of the park.

The original habitat of this rare species of endangered King cobras is the Western Ghats, where it was found that its numbers were dwindling at a fast pace. In view of this situation the CZA, which has its head quarters in Delhi selected  PBP as a captive breeding centre for these king cobras, informed the  director of the park H Jayaprakash Bhandary here on Monday November. 19.

According to him the PBP had only five king cobras, including two female, which were mainly found in the Western Ghats. Further he informed that the endangered species normally breed during winter season for which the park authorities need to create a conducive atmosphere, he opined.

Moreover, he said there were 14 to 15 varieties of snakes and among the species, king cobra is rare. The quantity of venom from the snake was more than any other species. In fact even a bite from the King Cobra could kill a big elephant, he warned.

Talking about the centre’s inaugural details Bhandary said that it was expected to start functioning from next month (December 2007) and would be funded entirely by CZA, he added.