Rare cobra with three spectacle markings rescued
The cobra they rescued bore not one but three binocellate or spectacle markings on different parts of its body — an extremely rare occurrence in the species. These markings, typically found only on the hood of the Indian cobra (Naja naja), appeared along the body, making the specimen an unusual find.
Chennai wildlife warden R Vidyadhar said the rescue coincided with World Snake Day (July 16). After a short quarantine period, the cobra was relocated to an enclosure in the serpentarium at the Guindy Children's Park, where it has since adapted well to its new environment.
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Tirunelveli-based herpetologist and former St John's College zoology professor Albert Rajendran said such markings are rarely seen. While several snake species such as the Indian Rock Python, Russell's Viper, and various pit vipers have distinctive blotches on their bodies, the binocellate pattern is unique to cobras and usually confined to the hood.
Herpetologists often use these markings to identify individuals, and it is common to observe variation in the hood patterns among hatchlings from the same brood.
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"But this is the first time I have seen such patterns elsewhere on the body," he said.
This type of irregularity is an unusual morphological abnormality of the ectodermal skin. Similar to pigmentation conditions like albinism, leucism, or vitiligo, it could be due to a phenotypic genetic recessive mutation or a congenital disorder.
Alternatively, such patterns might also manifest later in life due to hormonal changes associated with sexual maturity. However, these features are not typically passed down genetically across generations.
The sighting has sparked interest among herpetologists and conservationists, making the cobra a significant example of nature's genetic unpredictability.
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