Taxonomic changes and toxinology: systematic revisions of the Asiatic cobras (Naja naja species complex).

Until recently, all Asiatic cobra populations were regarded as belonging to one single species, Naja naja. Recent revisions have shown that there are in fact at least 10 full species of Asiatic Naja. In order to allow the existing literature to be reconciled with these recent discoveries, an interpretation of the older nomenclature is provided. Problematic areas, especially concerning the species N. sumatrana and N. siamensis, are highlighted.