Elapidae · Philippine record
Ophiophagus salvatanaGOWRI SHANKAR, DAS & WÜSTER 2024
The Luzon king cobra is a distinct Philippine species recognised in the 2024 revision of the king-cobra complex.
Literature updated 2026-10-07 · Editorial review pending
Explore the island records ↓Species portrait
Ophiophagus salvatana
Image to followThe illustrated collection
Adult · study plate
Ophiophagus salvatana
Image to followJuvenile · study plate
Ophiophagus salvatana
Image to followLife stages will be labelled from the contributor’s information. Images alone do not establish identification or a locality record.
Media provenance
Contributor images are forthcoming. Photographs and illustrations will retain their individual credits, permissions and evidence notes.
A closer look
Ophiophagus salvatana was described as a separate species in 2024. The revision distinguishes four species within the former Ophiophagus hannah complex using morphology and supporting molecular evidence.
Literature documented · Abstract and taxonomic treatment
The accepted name follows the 2024 revision.
The documented range is Luzon in the northern Philippines. The same revision assigns king cobras from parts of the southern Philippines to Ophiophagus bungarus.
Literature documented · Abstract, second paragraph
Historical records under O. hannah require reassessment before assignment to either species.
Species-specific information on breeding, prey, habitat use and venom is still being assembled for this account.
Literature documented · Scope of the 2024 taxonomic revision
Older king-cobra literature covers several species under one name.
Indian nesting observations and venom results must not automatically be presented as Luzon species data.
The 2024 diagnosis highlights the absence of pale body bands in adults and a distinct juvenile band pattern. Historical records under O. hannah require reassessment before being assigned to the Luzon species.
Literature documented · Diagnosis; Das et al. (2024)
Species-level database summary; literature review, not expert validation.
The cited account does not establish population-wide variation or the conditions at every Philippine locality.
The atlas records Ophiophagus salvatana from these named Philippine areas: Luzon. These are literature areas rather than a continuous range boundary.
Literature documented · Existing checklist occurrence statement and distribution review
The original evidence level is retained.
A country listing cannot establish an island or a precise locality.
Across the archipelago
Documented islands: gold · island groups: dashed circles
Island-level records · not continuous habitat coverage. Dashed circles locate groups, not individual observations.
Philippine distribution
Select an island to read its distribution record and sources. Uncoloured islands are not evidence of absence.
Philippine Islands (Luzon) Type locality: Luzon, Benguet Province, Baguio; 16.40° N, 120.60° E.
The documented range is Luzon in the northern Philippines. The same revision assigns king cobras from parts of the southern Philippines to Ophiophagus bungarus.
Taxonomic revision of the king cobra Ophiophagus hannah species complex ↗Abstract, second paragraph
The atlas records Ophiophagus salvatana from these named Philippine areas: Luzon. These are literature areas rather than a continuous range boundary.
The Reptile Database — species checklist, 17 June 2026 ↗Existing checklist occurrence statement and distribution review
Taxonomic revision of the king cobra Ophiophagus hannah species complex ↗Existing checklist occurrence statement and distribution review
References attached to this species account. Island-specific evidence is shown separately where available.
The Reptile Database — species checklist, 17 June 2026 ↗
Taxonomic revision of the king cobra Ophiophagus hannah species complex ↗
Ophiophagus salvatana — The Reptile Database species account ↗
Living with wildlife
Venom classification not yet added · Effects not yet summarised in this atlas
Observe from a distance. Do not handle, corner or capture a snake to identify it. An incomplete venom account is not evidence that a species is safe to handle.
After a suspected snakebite, keep the person still and arrange urgent medical care. Avoid tight tourniquets, cutting, suction and unproven remedies. Do not wait to identify the snake before seeking help.
WHO guidance on snakebite first aidSpecies record
Range noteCountry/island text is not a range polygon or locality record.
Philippine Islands (Luzon) Type locality: Luzon, Benguet Province, Baguio; 16.40° N, 120.60° E.
Names through time
Ophiophagus salvatana GOWRI SHANKAR, DAS & WÜSTER in DAS et al. 2024: 30
Uetz, P.; Freed, P.; Aguilar, R.; Reyes, F.; Kudera, J.; Hošek, J. (eds.)
Das, I. et al.
European Journal of Taxonomy 961: 1–51
Uetz, P.; Hallermann, J. et al. (editors)
Public species fields consulted for bounded biological summaries. Primary sources quoted within the database were not independently examined unless explicitly stated. The catalogue name may differ from the current source title.