Encounter the inland taipan, the most venomous serpent in the world, on this page! Prepare yourself for intriguing details, captivating images, and information regarding this lethal creature from Australia…
Brief Overview of Inland Taipan Facts
Other Monikers: Intense serpent, western taipan, diminutive-scaled reptile, lignum serpent, dandarabilla
Scientific designation: Oxyuranus microlepidotus
Creature Type: Reptile
Animal Family: Elapidae
Habitat: Central eastern Australia
Average Length: 1.8 m to 2.5 m (5.9 ft to 8.2 ft)
Fang Length: 3.5 mm to 6.2 mm
Conservation Status: Not evaluated by the IUCN
Other fascinating Inland Taipan facts: The two components of its scientific name signify ‘sharp-pointed tail’ and ‘small-scaled.’
Get Acquainted with the Inland Taipan: Introduction
Although the inland taipan may reign as the planet’s most venomous snake, this Australian taipan remained an enigma to Western science for nearly a century after its initial description in 1879 due to its exceedingly timid nature.
A species is “described” once it is discovered, entailing the bestowal of a name and informing the scientific community about its existence (i.e., delineating its characteristics and distinctions from other species).
The alternative name of the inland taipan, the “fierce snake,” alludes to the potency of its venom rather than its behavior. In comparison, its ancestral relative, the coastal taipan, displays far more aggression.
Inland Taipan Video
Observe Steve Backshall as he confronts an inland taipan in the video provided below:
Where Does the Inland Taipan Reside?
The inland taipan inhabits the remote black soil plains of the Australian outback, situated at the convergence of South Australia and Queensland. (The outback denotes the extensive interior region of Australia.)
This serpent seeks refuge from scorching temperatures and predators by taking cover beneath rocks, within mammal burrows, and deep crevices within the arid earth.
Thermal Regulation: Warming Up and Keeping Cool
The inland taipan exhibits peak activity during the early hours of the day when it emerges to pursue prey and bask in the morning sun. After a few hours, it retreats to its shelter for the remainder of the day, although during cooler weather, it may emerge above ground in the afternoon as well.
To adapt to the extreme outback climate, the inland taipan undergoes striking seasonal changes in its coloration. Its back transitions from a dark brown to almost black during winter, while assuming a pale straw hue in the summer months.
These color changes enable the inland taipan to regulate its body temperature, with the darker patterns facilitating heat absorption and the lighter ones aiding in heat reflection.
Notably, the head of the inland taipan is significantly darker than the rest of its body, allowing it to quickly warm up by exposing only its head to the sun.
As cold-blooded creatures, snakes lack the ability to internally regulate their body temperature through mechanisms like sweating or shivering. Thus, they rely on the sun to warm themselves.
Dietary Preferences of the Inland Taipan
The inland taipan possesses a unique inclination for consuming mammals among Australian snakes. Its primary prey consists of small to medium-sized rodents, particularly the indigenous long-haired rat (Rattus villosisimus). Additionally, it may consume the plains rat (Pseudomys australis) and the introduced house mouse (Mus musculus).
During periods of abundant prey, the snakes grow plump, leading to an increase in their population. However, during droughts, they may rely on stored body fat to sustain themselves.
The Hunter… and The Hunted
When hunting, the inland taipan employs a typical strategy of cornering its prey in cracks within the soil or in burrows. It then strikes, delivering venom through a rapid series of bites.
The venom is exceptionally potent, causing the prey to perish within minutes, sometimes even seconds. This swift demise minimizes the risk of injury to the snake during the hunting process.
Predators of the Inland Taipan
The inland taipan itself falls victim to predation by other reptiles, including the king brown snake (Pseudechis australis) and Australia’s largest monitor lizard, the perentie (Varanus giganteus).
Reproduction of the Inland Taipan
Female inland taipans lay clutches of approximately 12 to 24 eggs. These eggs are concealed within deep crevices in the soil or abandoned burrows and hatch after a period of 9 to 11 weeks. The newborns measure around 47cm in length and possess venom that is nearly as potent as that of adult snakes.
Is the Inland Taipan a Threat to Humans?
The venom of the inland taipan is considered the most lethal among all snake species, surpassing even that of sea snakes. It has evolved to be particularly effective in killing mammals, which makes it highly toxic to humans as well.
A single bite is said to contain enough venom to kill at least 100 men.
In addition to its extreme neurotoxic properties, the venom also contains a spreading factor enzyme that accelerates absorption. An untreated bite has the potential to cause death within 30 to 45 minutes, emphasizing the critical importance of immediate medical attention.
When provoked, the inland taipan assumes a defensive posture, curving its forebody into a raised S-shape to deter potential threats. This threatening display also prepares the snake for a potential strike.
However, there is no need to reconsider your dream Australian vacation just yet! Very few individuals have been bitten by this reclusive and timid snake, and there are no recorded deaths attributed to the species.
Due to the remote nature of its habitat, it is unlikely for humans to encounter the inland taipan in the wild. Moreover, when faced with a human, the snake is more inclined to flee rather than attack.
Is the Inland Taipan an Endangered Species?
The conservation status of the inland taipan has not been evaluated by the IUCN. However, official Australian sources have classified the species as Least Concern in South Australia, Near Threatened in Queensland, and Presumed Extinct in both New South Wales and Victoria. Habitat alteration is considered the most significant threat to the species.
Inland Taipan Facts: Conclusion
We hope you have enjoyed discovering fascinating facts about the formidable inland taipan. As you now know, this deadly Australian serpent dwells far away from human settlements, making the likelihood of encountering an inland taipan, let alone being bitten by one, extremely rare!