There Is only One Species of Cobra Native to Hong Kong

Hong Kong is home to 52 species of snakes. Of these, 14 are venomous, and 8 of those venomous species are considered potentially lethal. Among these potentially lethal snakes are the notorious but very rare king cobra and the more common Chinese cobra. Both species are native to Hong Kong.

However, there is only one species of cobra native to Hong Kong. How is that possible? Well, it so happens that, although it hoods up like a cobra, looks like a cobra, and is named "cobra," the king cobra—also nicknamed the hamadryad—is not, in fact, a true cobra.

In reality, the king cobra’s scientific name, Ophiophagus hannah, indicates that it is a member—the only member—of the genus Ophiophagus, which means "snake eater," but it is not a member of the genus Naja, which includes the true cobras, among which the Chinese cobra.

That said, whether you are bitten by a Chinese cobra or a king cobra, immediate medical attention is imperative, as both species are potentially lethal. Incidentally, the Chinese cobra’s venom may be much more toxic than that of the king cobra, but the venom yield of the king cobra is such that it could kill you ten times over (at least).

Either way, if you get bitten by a cobra—or any other snake—seek medical attention.