King cobra nest sighted(The Statesman)

KENDRAPARA, July 30: Wildlife researchers have spotted the nest of a king cobra along the swampy patches of Bhitarkanika wildlife sanctuary. The sighting of nest of these reptile species is first of its kind within the internationally-acclaimed Ramsar wetland site, according to official sources.
Though venomous king cobras abound in the mangrove forest region. Never before, cobras’ nest had been sighted, said Mr. Ajay Kumar Jena, divisional forest officer, Rajnagar mangrove forest division.“It’s a chance discovery”, described Mr. Jena. The forest protection staff while on duty had stumbled upon a 12-foot-long female king cobra in dense mangrove cover. The reptile was on vigil protecting the nest from natural predators. Later after having received the good news, the forest staffs were asked to keep watch on the nest and ensure its safety. Yesterday, babies emerged from the nest. n SNS