Thursday, January 20, 2011

Inland Taipan ( Oxyuranus Microlepidotus )


Inland Taipan Oxyuranus Scutellatus

Inland Taipan ( Oxyuranus Microlepidotus )

  • Western or Inland Taipan (Oxyuranus Microlepidotus) (Fierce Snake),
  • Central Ranges Taipan (Oxyuranus Temporalis),
  • North-West Australian Taipan (Oxyuranus Scutellatus Barringeri),
  • Papuan Taipan (Oxyuranus Scutellatus Canni),
  • Costal Taipan (Oxyuranus Scutellatus Scutellatus).
Snake's Description: Generally Taipans are uniformly olive or dark brown, the head is somewhat darker brown.
Snake's Toxic Rank 1: Inland Taipan is the world's most venomous land snake. Its bite is synonymous with death. Maximum survival time recorded after Taipan's bite is not more than few hours. Without prompt medical assistance its victim has rarest chance of recovery. Taipans are divided into following five sub-species viz; Western or Inland Taipan (Oxyuranus Microlepidotus) or (Fierce Snake), Papuan Taipan (Oxyuranus S. Canni), Common or Coastal Taipan (Oxyuranus Scutellatus), Central Ranges Taipan (Oxyuranus Temporalis) and North-West Australian Taipan (Oxyuranus Scutellatus Barringeri). Here Inland Taipan (Fierce snake) is the most toxic of all. Maximum yield recorded from a single bite of Inland Taipan is 110mg. Just few mg of Inland Taipan's venom is enough to kill over 100 people or 250,000 mice. Australia's Western or Inland Taipan or Fierce Snake is the world's most toxic terrestrial snake. (Ranked No. 1)
Snake's Characteristics: It is considered as the most venomous land snake on earth. Many people believe Taipans are very aggressive but the fact is that they are docile creatures. Yes they have an aggressive disposition only when mishandled or disturbed without warning. When aroused, Taipan can display a fearsome appearance by flattening its head, raising it off the ground, waving it back and forth, and suddenly striking with such speed that the victim may receive several bites before it retreats. Its venom is a powerful neurotoxin, causing respiratory paralysis.
Snake's Habitat: At home in a variety of habitats, Inland Taipan are found from the savanna grasslands to the inland dry plains of Australia. Where as 'Oxyuranus Scutellatus' are often seen in forests and open woodlands. Very less or no information; regarding newly discovered Central Ranges Taipan (Oxyuranus temporalis).
Snake's Length:: Average Taipan's length is 1.8 meters and maximum of 3.7 meters.
Snake's Distribution: Taipans (Oxyuranus Scutellatus) are found in Northern Australia and Southern New Guinea. Whereas Inland Taipan (world's most toxic snake) are found in Central Australia. Papuan Taipan (Oxyuranus S. Canni) are found in New Guinea.

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