It feeds on rats, and may live in their burrows. Little is known about this snake in the wild. (Photo P.Mirtschin, Venom Supplies) AboutĪlso called the Western or inland taipan or the small-scaled snake, this snake produces the most toxic venom of any snake world-wide. Small scaled snake: also known as fierce snake or inland taipan (Oxyuranus microlepidotus) Inland Taipan / Fierce Snake ( Oxyuranus microlepidotus)Īlso called small scaled snake, inland taipan, western taipan ( Oxyuranus microlepidotus) The clinical syndrome includes severe neurotoxicity and coagulopathy. The average venom yield is approximately 120mg, and a maximum yield of 400mg has been recorded. Map of Taipan localities Distributionįound along the coast of northern Australia from Brisbane to, and as far south as the Kimberleys in western Australia. Taipans average 2.5m in length, with the record being 3.35m. The pupil is round, and contained within an orange iris. The head is distinct from the body, which in the adult is usually light or dark brown, with a creamy yellow abdomen. It is not usually aggressive unless cornered or attacked, when it may strike rapidly, inflicting multiple bites. Its diet consists mainly of rats, mice, thereby attracting it to barns, farms and other habitations. This aggressive and highly venomous snake is It has the largest fangs (13mm) and is the longest venomous Australian snake (up to 3m) It usually hunts during the day, except in very hot weather, when it hunts in the evening. Coastal Taipan ( Oxyuranus scutellatus)Ĭoastal or eastern taipan (Oxyuranus scutellatus) A related species, Oxyuranus scutellatus is found in Papua New Guinea. Three distinct species are described in Australia the coastal taipan and the western or inland taipan, or fierce snake and the Western desert Taipan. Prior to the introduction of antivenom (in 1955) and modern medical care, more than 90% of taipan envenomations were fatal. The eggs can take up to 68 days to hatch with the hatchlings measuring around 30cm – 40cm long.Taipans are large, fast, highly venomous snakes with large fangs and large amounts of venom. Female coastal taipans can lay anywhere between 7-20 large, pill-shaped eggs. Upon encountering a receptive female, the male becomes highly excited and moves up and along the body of the female, continually tongue-flicking and rubbing his chin against her. Courtship between adults follows the basic pattern seen in many other snake species. Reproductionīreeding season for coastal taipans is usually observed between August to September. Although many human deaths have resulted from taipan bites, it rarely attacks humans except in self-defence. DietĬoastal taipans prey strictly on mammals such as small rodents, bandicoots and quolls. It is found in forests, heaths and grassy beach dunes, and also favours cane fields. It’s location then spreads across northern Australia including the Northern Territory through to north-eastern Western Australia. The species is found along the coast of Australia from northern New South Wales, through to Queensland. Coastal taipans are active throughout the year however, they are most commonly encountered in late winter and spring. A slender snake, it sports a light to dark brown body, and a cream/yellow belly with pink or orange flecks, the snake’s head is often a lighter brown than its body. The coastal taipan commonly measures 1.5m – 2m in length, however specimens have recorded at an impressive 3m. One of Australia’s most notorious snakes has fangs which can grow 1cm in length! It uses these to inject a powerful venom into the body.
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