The king cobra, Ophiophagus hannah, is the world's longest venomous snake, reaching up to 18 feet. Found in forests from India to Southeast Asia, it preys primarily on other snakes. Its distinctive hood and potent neurotoxic venom make it a formidable predator, yet it often avoids human contact.

Ophiophagus hannah, commonly known as the king cobra, is native to South and Southeast Asia. Its geographical distribution includes countries such as India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Cambodia, Southern China, Laos, Malaysia, Indonesia, Nepal, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam.

The king cobra typically inhabits a variety of environments ranging from dense highland forests to open plains. It is commonly found in tropical and subtropical rainforests, mangrove swamps, bamboo thickets, and agricultural areas. The species prefers humid environments with plenty of cover and is often found near water bodies.

As a top predator, the king cobra plays a crucial role in controlling the population of its prey, primarily consisting of other snakes, including venomous species. Its ecological niche extends to being an apex predator within its habitat, helping maintain the balance of the ecosystem by regulating prey populations. The king cobra is also known for its unique behavior of building nests for its eggs, which is uncommon among snakes.