#taipans

A Big Fan of the Inland Taipan

Also known as the western taipan, the small-scaled snake, the fierce snake, or dandarabilla in local Aboriginal languages, the inland taipan (Oxyuranus microlepidotus) is a snake found in the arid regions of central eastern Australia. Specifically, it keeps to dry floodplains, dunes, and black soil plains where vegetation is sparse.

Throughout most of the day, the western taipan shelters in abandoned burrows or deep cracks in the ground, and only emerges early in the morning to hunt. Like all snakes, this species is a carnivore, and O. microlepidotus specializes in mammals; mainly rodents. Despite its narrow diet, the fierce snake is the most venomous reptile in the world, able to strike multiple times in quick succession. A single bite from this species is capable of killing 100 grown humans; however, unlike its coastal cousin, the inland taipan is notoriously shy and will only attack as a last resort. Because of its venomous reputation, adult inland taipans have no predators, though king brown snakes and perentie monitor lizard are known to prey on young.

The western taipan mates late in the winter and early spring, from August to November. This is the only time indivuals will seek each other out, and males have been known to spar when encountering each other. During mating, the male and female can remain intertwined for several hours, and afterwards part ways to seek out other mates. Females will locate abandoned animal burrows to lay a clutch of 11-20 eggs, but she does not remain to care for them. Eggs hatch about 2 months after being laid, and individuals can live for up to 15 years in the wild.

Though thin, weighing only 1-2 kg (2.2-4.4 lbs) the inland taipan is remarkably long, reaching up to 1.8 m (5.9 ft) in length. O. microlepidotus blends in well with its environment, being a dark tan or light greenish brown. This coloration can change depending on the season, becoming lighter or darker according to its surroundings. Along the thicker part of its body, individuals also sport dark scales in diagonal stripes.

Conservation status: The inland taipan is considered Least Concern by the IUCN, and is protected by law in Australia. This species can also be found in zoos and private collections. Primary threats include habitat loss and fragmentation, as well as mortality from cars.

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Photos

Ryan Francis

Cobra – venomous snake

COBRA

Cobras are venomous snakes related to taipans, coral snakes, and mambas, all members of the Elapidae family. Snakes in this family cannot fold their fangs down, as vipers can, so the fangs are generally shorter. They kill their prey by injecting venom through their fangs. The venom is a neurotoxin that stops the victim’s breathing and heartbeat. A cobra only attacks a human if it feels…