Inland Taipan

SPECIES OXYURANUS MICROLEPIDOTUS

inland-taipan

DISTRIBUTION

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LENGTH

Approximately 2-2.5m

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FAVOURITE FOOD

Long-haired rat

The inland taipan is the world’s most venomous snake. But despite this, there are no recorded human fatalities from inland taipan bites. It is a shy snake that avoids confrontation and lives in remote areas.

 

The inland taipan is found in some of the most remote and inhospitable environments on Earth.

 

It uses cracks in the soil as refuge, as well as mammal burrows. The inland taipan’s venom is highly toxic and it is likely that it evolved this way because the snakes feed on long-haired rats, which bite in self-defence. A quick death for the rat also means that the snake doesn’t have to expose itself to the harsh sun and heat while searching for its prey after it has been bitten.

 

 

Conservation Status

 

 

inland-taipan-risk

 

 

Did You Know?

 

The inland taipan changes colours with the seasons. It is dark all over in winter but light brown with a black head in summer.

 

 

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