Arabian cobra joins National Geographic Photo Ark as the 12,000th species

Joel Sartore, founder of the National Geographic Photo Ark adds the Arabian cobra, photographed at the Arabian Wildlife Centre in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates to the Photo Ark

November 16, 2021 — Adding another milestone species to the Photo Ark in 2021, today National Geographic Explorer Joel Sartore announced the Arabian cobra (Naja arabica) joins the National Geographic Photo Ark as the 12,000th species.

The Arabian cobra is the only true cobra species that occurs in the Arabian peninsula, can grow up to 2.4 meters in length and is easily recognized by its stunning dark golden coloration, making it one of the world’s most striking true cobra species. Its conservation status has been assessed as Least Concern by IUCN Red List but the true status of this species, in the wild, remains poorly known. The National Geographic Photo Ark is an extraordinary, multiyear effort to document every species living in zoos, wildlife sanctuaries and aquariums. Nearly 1 million species are at risk of extinction

“For the past 15 years I’ve dedicated my life to documenting every species living in the world’s zoos, wildlife sanctuaries and aquariums. My mission is to get people to care and help save these species before it’s too late.” said Explorer and Photo Ark founder Joel Sartore.

To learn more about the National Geographic Photo Ark, conservation and protecting species visit NatGeo.org/PhotoArk.