Cobras of Sri Lanka show distinct genetic history
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Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science studied the genetic makeup of cobras ( Naja naja ) in Sri Lanka and India.
Kartik Sunagar led a team that examined 67 cobras using genetic markers, revealing the Sri Lankan cobras formed a separate genetic lineage from those on the Indian continent. The team estimated these two groups diverged around two million years ago, possibly due to changing sea levels that alternately connected and isolated the landmasses.
The study traced the cobra’s origins to Africa, with ancestors migrating to South Asia through the Middle East during the Miocene epoch. Evidence suggests cobras once lived in Europe during warmer periods, disappearing as the climate cooled. Although the genetic analysis confirmed the uniqueness of Sri Lankan cobras, the researchers stopped short of declaring them a separate species, citing the need for further study.
Previous research in Sri Lanka showed differences in venom composition between cobras from different regions of the island, and tests indicated Sri Lankan cobra venom is more toxic to mammals than Indian cobra venom.
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