New study clarifies genetic lineages of Indian and Sri Lankan cobras
A new study published in Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution on October 15, 2026, analyzed spectacled cobra populations across South Asia to determine their evolutionary relationships.
Indian cobras share common ancestry
Researchers found that spectacled cobras living throughout the Indian mainland belong to a single genetic group. This population shares distinct genetic ties regardless of regional differences in color or hood markings.
Sri Lankan snakes form separate group
The analysis shows that cobra populations in Sri Lanka represent a distinct genetic lineage separate from the mainland groups. Earlier proposals to classify these animals as a different species are now supported by this new molecular evidence.
Previous sampling gaps limited data
Earlier studies relied heavily on samples from Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka while missing most specimens from India. The authors note that obtaining research permits for Indian samples has historically created a significant gap in the available biological data.
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