Monocled Cobra, Naja kaouthia Lesson,1931 (Squamata: Elapidae) Breeding Biology in Dibrugarh City, Assam, India: Observations on Egg Clutch and Juvenile Colouration in a Semi-Natural Environment

Observation on breeding microenvironment of Monocled Cobra, Naja kaouthia Lesson,1931, one of the four species of the genus Naja found in India was done in Bongalgaon, Dibrugarh City, Assam (India). An egg cluster with 24 numbers of empty egg shells showing 100 percent hatching was recovered from a network of rat holes under a cemented earthen floor of a room used as living room by a family. Measurements of the empty shells were done in terms of length, breadth and ratio of the average values. Seven hatchlings were recorded, four of which were rescued, photographed and released into their natural habitat with the help of personal from the Government Forest Department of Assam. Body colouration and markings of in 4 juveniles were noted. The case study is communicated with a review of the related aspects of breeding biology of this species in natural and captive conditions.