The inland taipan (Oxyuranus
microlepidotus), also commonly known as the western taipan, the small-scaled
snake, or the fierce snake, is an extremely venomous snaker of the
taipan (Oxyuranus) genus, and is endemic to semi-arid regions of central
east Australia. Aboriginal Australians
living in those regions named the snake Dandarabilla. It was first described by Frederick McCoy in
1879 and then by William John Macleay in 1882, but for the next 90 years, it
was a mystery species to Western Science.
No more specimens were found, and virtually nothing was added to
knowledge of this species until its rediscovery in 1972.
The inland taipan is considered the most venomous snake in the world; based on the median lethal dose value in mice, Its venom, drop for drop, is by far the most toxic of any snake – much more so than even sea snakes. And it has the most toxic venom of any reptile when tested on human heart cell culture. Unlike most snakes, the inland taipan is a specialist mammal hunter so its venom is specially adapted to kill warm-blooded species. It is estimated that one bite possesses enough lethality to kill at least 100 full grown men, and, depending on the nature of the bite, it has the potential to kill someone in as little as 30 to 45 minutes if left untreated. It is an extremely fast and agile snake which can strike instantly with extreme accuracy, often striking multiple times in the same attack, and it envenoms in almost every case.
Although extremely venomous and a capable striker, contrary to the rather aggressive natured coastal taipan, the inland taipan is usually quite a shy and reclusive snake, with a placid disposition, and prefers to escape from trouble. However, it will defend itself and strike if provoked, mishandled, or prevented from escaping. Also because it lives in such remote locations, the inland taipan seldom comes in contact with people; therefore it is not considered the most deadly snake in the world overall, especially in terms of disposition and human deaths per year. The word "fierce" from its alternative name describes its venom, not its temperament.
The inland taipan consumes mostly rodents, such as the long-haired rat (Rattus villosissimus), the plains rat (Pseudomys australis), the introduced house mouse (Mus musculus) and other Dasyurids, and birds. Unlike other venomous snakes that strike with a single, accurate bite then retreat while waiting for the prey to die, the fierce snake subdues the prey with a series of rapid, accurate strikes. It is known to deliver up to eight venomous bites in a single attack. often snapping its jaws fiercely several times to inflict multiple punctures in the same attack. Its more risky attack strategy entails holding its prey with its body and biting it repeatedly. This injects the extremely toxic venom deep into the prey. The venom acts so rapidly that its prey does not have time to fight back.
In captivity it may also eat day-old.
The inland taipan is considered the most venomous snake in the world; based on the median lethal dose value in mice, Its venom, drop for drop, is by far the most toxic of any snake – much more so than even sea snakes. And it has the most toxic venom of any reptile when tested on human heart cell culture. Unlike most snakes, the inland taipan is a specialist mammal hunter so its venom is specially adapted to kill warm-blooded species. It is estimated that one bite possesses enough lethality to kill at least 100 full grown men, and, depending on the nature of the bite, it has the potential to kill someone in as little as 30 to 45 minutes if left untreated. It is an extremely fast and agile snake which can strike instantly with extreme accuracy, often striking multiple times in the same attack, and it envenoms in almost every case.
Although extremely venomous and a capable striker, contrary to the rather aggressive natured coastal taipan, the inland taipan is usually quite a shy and reclusive snake, with a placid disposition, and prefers to escape from trouble. However, it will defend itself and strike if provoked, mishandled, or prevented from escaping. Also because it lives in such remote locations, the inland taipan seldom comes in contact with people; therefore it is not considered the most deadly snake in the world overall, especially in terms of disposition and human deaths per year. The word "fierce" from its alternative name describes its venom, not its temperament.
Diet and Behavior
The inland taipan consumes mostly rodents, such as the long-haired rat (Rattus villosissimus), the plains rat (Pseudomys australis), the introduced house mouse (Mus musculus) and other Dasyurids, and birds. Unlike other venomous snakes that strike with a single, accurate bite then retreat while waiting for the prey to die, the fierce snake subdues the prey with a series of rapid, accurate strikes. It is known to deliver up to eight venomous bites in a single attack. often snapping its jaws fiercely several times to inflict multiple punctures in the same attack. Its more risky attack strategy entails holding its prey with its body and biting it repeatedly. This injects the extremely toxic venom deep into the prey. The venom acts so rapidly that its prey does not have time to fight back.
In captivity it may also eat day-old.
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