National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Also known as the Central Asian cobra, this species is native to Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Iran, Afghanistan  and Pakistan. It inhabits dry and semi-desert areas, foothills and irrigated lands. The cobra is generally not aggressive; when threatened, it typically spreads its hood in an attempt to scare off predators. Its neurotoxic venom is dangerous to humans, yet highly valuable in medicine — used in the development of treatments for seizures and pain relief, and studied for potential applications in cancer therapy. Feeding on rodents, birds, lizards and other snakes, the cobra plays an essential role in maintaining ecological balance. A female can lay up to 20 eggs, and the hatchlings are venomous from birth. In Uzbekistan, the population of this species is declining due to habitat loss and human persecution, which is why it is listed in the Red Book and protected by the state.

For information: "Bobotog" National Nature Park was established on March 4, 2022, in the Uzun District of Surkhandarya Region. This unique natural area is home to more than 60 animal species, 16 of which are included in the Red Book of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Among the park’s rare inhabitants are the Bukhara mountain sheep, wild boar, eagle, white-headed vulture, cinereous vulture, falcon, and other endangered species.