Latest news with #InlandTaipan
Indian Express
17-05-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Venomous viper: 6 snakes that can easily kill
Inland Taipan: Deadliest venom The Inland Taipan's venom is so potent, one bite can kill 100 adults. Found in Australia, it hides in animal burrows and rarely comes in contact with humans. Its venom spreads quickly due to a special enzyme. Source: Canva Horoscope Today, May 17, 2025: Astrological prediction for all sun signs
Time of India
11-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Inland Taipan vs sea snakes: Know the key differences on the basis of venom, habitat and more
In the world of poisonous snakes, two species tend to hog the limelight — the Inland Taipan and the sea snake. Although both have deadly venom that can kill a human being, they are worlds apart in terms of biology, behavior, habitat, and general threat to humans. This article presents an in-depth study of their major differences and considers a hypothetical situation: if ever they fought each other, who would emerge victorious? Difference between inland taipan and sea snakes The Inland Taipan The Inland Taipan (Oxyuranus microlepidotus), or the "fierce snake" or "small-scaled snake," inhabits dry areas of central Australia, especially clay plains of Queensland and South Australia. The most venomous land snake ever discovered by science, it is, however, very shy and seldom encountered in the wild. It prefers to stay concealed in deep crevices and cracks, evading confrontation with human beings or other animals whenever it can. What is so amazing about this snake is how deadly it is. The Inland Taipan's venom is a multifaceted mixture of neurotoxins, procoagulants, and myotoxins that paralyze the nervous system, cause quick clotting of the blood, and kill muscle. Operation Sindoor Calm prevails in Punjab after understanding between India, Pakistan Pakistan violates ceasefire: Loud explosions, sirens haunt J&K- what we know so far Behind the scenes of ceasefire: Calls from Pakistan, Washington Based on toxicology reports, one bite injects enough venom to kill 100 to 250 adult humans, the most toxic land snake by a significant amount. Sea Snakes Sea snakes are part of the Hydrophiinae subfamily and have relatives in the land-dwelling elapids such as the cobras and taipans. They inhabit tropical coastal waters in both the Indian and Pacific Oceans, particularly around Southeast Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Islands. Though more than 70 species of sea snake exist, among the most toxic are the Dubois' sea snake (Aipysurus duboisii) and the beaked sea snake (Enhydrina schistosa). Similar to the Inland Taipan, these species yield very toxic venom. Certain species have been measured to be almost as potent as, or in isolated instances more toxic than, the Inland Taipan — though the dose injected in one bite is often lower or similar. Yet sea snakes are generally harmless and unlikely to bite under any circumstances short of direct contact or provocation, and therefore human deaths by envenomation are very rare. Inland taipan vs sea snakes Venom One of the most important considerations when comparing these snakes is their yield and potency of venom. The Inland Taipan holds the record for toxicity per drop, but it delivers a fairly small volume per bite relative to some sea snakes. Sea snakes do not necessarily have venom as toxic, but they tend to inject higher doses of venom. For instance, the beaked sea snake can inject sufficient venom in one bite to kill 50+ humans, although such venom is uncommon because of their habits. Inland Taipan venom effects: Time to fatality in humans: as short as 30 to 45 minutes if left untreated Symptoms: paralysis, bleeding internally, muscle degeneration, kidney failure Sea snake venom effects: Frequently myotoxic, with extreme muscle degeneration Respiratory collapse and paralysis in extreme cases Fatalities are exceptional because of the snakes' reluctance to attack and low aggressiveness Physical adaptations Each snake's body is closely connected to its environment: Inland Taipan: Thin, agile, and swift on land Camouflage for desert landscapes Has long fangs and effective venom delivery for knocking out small mammals such as rats and mice with a single blow Sea Snake Paddle-shaped tails to swim Flat bodies to glide through water Valved nostrils that seal when underwater to avoid drowning Some species can stay underwater for as long as 2 hours These adaptations render sea snakes useless on land, where they are slow and exposed, while the Inland Taipan would be entirely out of its comfort zone in water. Behavioural differences Although both snakes have intimidating reputations, neither is especially aggressive. Inland Taipan: Extremely shy and seldom seen. Will nearly always withdraw instead of attacking. Bites to humans are very rare in the wild. Sea Snakes: Generally non-aggressive, but may become defensive if cornered, especially during mating season. Divers sometimes report sea snakes approaching out of curiosity, but actual bites are uncommon. That said, when disturbed or handled, both snakes are capable of delivering fatal bites. Habitat The Inland Taipan lives in remote, arid areas, away from large human populations. Because of its isolated environment and timid nature, the likelihood of a human being bitten is low. The majority of reported bites have been in captivity or among snake handlers. Sea snakes, on the other hand, live in coastal communities visited by fishermen and divers. In spite of their proximity to humans, envenomation cases are low because of their non-aggressive nature. Inland taipan vs sea snakes: Who would win If these two snakes were, somehow, forced into a head-to-head combat situation — which is unlikely with their totally distinct environments — then the winner would largely depend upon the environment: On land: The Inland Taipan would be in charge. It is quicker, more agile on land, and its venom more deadly. The sea snake would be slow-moving, exposed, and at its mercy in this environment. In water: The sea snake would be the most comfortable in its own league. It can effortlessly outcompete the Inland Taipan, not well suited to water. Even so, should the Taipan succeed in a bite, the venom may yet be fatal. Overall, the Inland Taipan emerges victorious with regards to overall deadliness, but the sea snake excels at water maneuverability. Inland taipan and sea snakes : Which is more deadly In order to determine the overall more hazardous snake, consider toxicity, animal behavior, and danger of encounter for humans. The Inland Taipan is currently at the top in terms of the most deadly venom on planet Earth. Sea snakes, while at risk being harmful, become most likely encountered through their use of ocean range. Concerning danger towards humanity, the sea snakes do constitute a stronger possibility due to distance, however the Inland Taipan biologically happens to be more fatal creature. Also Read | Watch | Snake guards secret hidden box in viral video, unveiling a surprising treasure buried underground
Economic Times
01-05-2025
- General
- Economic Times
The myth of the mighty Gorilla: these 5 beasts could wreck a silverback
Despite the silverback gorilla's formidable reputation, it's not the apex predator. Creatures like saltwater crocodiles, with their deadly bite, and African bush elephants, possessing immense strength, would dominate. The inland taipan's venom and the grizzly bear's raw power also pose insurmountable threats, while leopards use stealth to their advantage, proving the gorilla's vulnerability in the wild. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads 1. Saltwater Crocodile 2. African Bush Elephant 3. Inland Taipan 4. Grizzly Bear FAQs The silverback gorilla is the tank of nature, all power, anger, and sheer instinct. But, apparently, he is far from the wild, there are animals who would not only emerge victorious, but would finish the battle before it even the silverback gorilla is a symbol of brute power, it is not the last boss of the animal kingdom. There are a number of beasts, such as crocodiles and elephants, and poisonous snakes, that surpass it in terms of strength, strategy, and five creatures wouldn't merely pummel a gorilla; they'd annihilate it before it had any idea what was happening. The gorilla isn't the ultimate boss, though, which is the twist in this Netflix nature apex predator is not him. Here are five animals that would do more than simply beat a silverback; they would bury him, body him, and then make fun of him on social an average of death rolls, ambush tackles, and bites of the damned, the saltwater crocodile is a prehistoric murder lizard with a kill total of 100. It is a heartless executioner who patiently and silently waits for the water to burst and something to vanish forever. It's like being clamped by the gates of hell, breaking physics and bringing everything to an end with a bite force of 3,700 PSI. The gorilla wouldn't realise it's a fight until it's halfway digested if they ever met in the its reputation for wisdom and grandeur, the African bush elephant has the capacity to do serious damage. It is a four-legged, feeling continent rather than a predator. Elephants can uproot trees, flip trucks, and kill lions when they're feeling good. African elephants and gorillas fight like trumpets at a funeral, with the elephants crying as they crush the Inland Taipan, sometimes referred to as "The Silent Extinction," is an Australian taipan that can cause 100 human funerals' worth of neurotoxins in a single bite. It can take down a whole rugby team, including a gorilla, and it doesn't growl, charge, or wrestle. After giving Kong a few milligrammes of death and tapping him on the ankle, the taipan leaves the arena wearing claws longer than your WiFi password and a maximum weight of 680 kg, the Grizzly Bear is a fierce and angry gymrat. They can rip bone and bark with their claws and are difficult to eradicate. They mostly eat salmon and are surprisingly healthy for their size. The WWE cage match ends when the Grizzly Bear goes full Yellowstone, leaving only fur, blood, and Joe Rogan whispering, "Bro... did you see that?" The bear may take some jabs during the are silent killers, ambushes, and unsolved mysteries rather than fair fighters. They have been known to snatch baby gorillas in the wild. A silverback becomes a NatGeo crime scene if it becomes distracted. Unlike gorillas, who may throw punches, leopards rewrite the ending and throw surprises rather than chance. Each of these animals either outperforms the gorilla in terms of strength, stealth, or sheer powerful, yes, but these five examples show that it's not at the top of the food chain.
Time of India
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
The myth of the mighty Gorilla: these 5 beasts could wreck a silverback
The silverback gorilla is the tank of nature, all power, anger, and sheer instinct. But, apparently, he is far from invincible. #Pahalgam Terrorist Attack Nuclear Power! How India and Pakistan's arsenals stack up Does America have a plan to capture Pakistan's nuclear weapons? Airspace blockade: India plots a flight path to skip Pakistan In the wild, there are animals who would not only emerge victorious, but would finish the battle before it even began. While the silverback gorilla is a symbol of brute power, it is not the last boss of the animal kingdom. There are a number of beasts, such as crocodiles and elephants, and poisonous snakes, that surpass it in terms of strength, strategy, and deadliness. 5 5 Next Stay Playback speed 1x Normal Back 0.25x 0.5x 1x Normal 1.5x 2x 5 5 / Skip Ads by by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The cost of hearing aids in Kanchipuram might surprise you! Learn More Undo ALSO READ: Amid rumors of a rift with Taylor Swift, Blake Lively may be feuding with another A-list celebrity, and it could be due to her legal battle with Justin Baldoni These five creatures wouldn't merely pummel a gorilla; they'd annihilate it before it had any idea what was happening. The gorilla isn't the ultimate boss, though, which is the twist in this Netflix nature special. Live Events The apex predator is not him. Here are five animals that would do more than simply beat a silverback; they would bury him, body him, and then make fun of him on social media. 1. Saltwater Crocodile With an average of death rolls, ambush tackles, and bites of the damned, the saltwater crocodile is a prehistoric murder lizard with a kill total of 100. It is a heartless executioner who patiently and silently waits for the water to burst and something to vanish forever. It's like being clamped by the gates of hell, breaking physics and bringing everything to an end with a bite force of 3,700 PSI. The gorilla wouldn't realise it's a fight until it's halfway digested if they ever met in the wild. 2. African Bush Elephant Despite its reputation for wisdom and grandeur, the African bush elephant has the capacity to do serious damage. It is a four-legged, feeling continent rather than a predator. Elephants can uproot trees, flip trucks, and kill lions when they're feeling good. African elephants and gorillas fight like trumpets at a funeral, with the elephants crying as they crush the gorilla. 3. Inland Taipan The Inland Taipan, sometimes referred to as "The Silent Extinction," is an Australian taipan that can cause 100 human funerals' worth of neurotoxins in a single bite. It can take down a whole rugby team, including a gorilla, and it doesn't growl, charge, or wrestle. After giving Kong a few milligrammes of death and tapping him on the ankle, the taipan leaves the arena wearing sunglasses. 4. Grizzly Bear With claws longer than your WiFi password and a maximum weight of 680 kg, the Grizzly Bear is a fierce and angry gymrat. They can rip bone and bark with their claws and are difficult to eradicate. They mostly eat salmon and are surprisingly healthy for their size. The WWE cage match ends when the Grizzly Bear goes full Yellowstone, leaving only fur, blood, and Joe Rogan whispering, "Bro... did you see that?" The bear may take some jabs during the match. Leopards are silent killers, ambushes, and unsolved mysteries rather than fair fighters. They have been known to snatch baby gorillas in the wild. A silverback becomes a NatGeo crime scene if it becomes distracted. Unlike gorillas, who may throw punches, leopards rewrite the ending and throw surprises rather than rumbles. FAQs Can a silverback gorilla defeat these five animals in a fight? No chance. Each of these animals either outperforms the gorilla in terms of strength, stealth, or sheer determination. Is the gorilla the most powerful animal in the wild? It's powerful, yes, but these five examples show that it's not at the top of the food chain.
Indian Express
27-04-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
6 of the world's most venomous snakes that could easily kill you
Venomous or not, snakes are one of the most feared creatures on Earth. These cold-blooded, limbless reptiles slither, hiss and even bite their prey. Venomous snakes possess venom that contains toxic substances. They inject venom into prey by using their fangs which can cause paralysis, internal bleeding, organ failure, cardiac arrest and even death. Approximately 5.4 million individuals are bitten by venomous snakes annually, leading to an estimated 81,000 to 138,000 fatalities, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO). However, snakes only bite in self-defense-they are more scared of us than we are of them. Dion Wedd, curator of the Territory Wildlife Park, NT, said to Australia Geographic that snakes do not view humans as potential meals, nor do they bite aggressively out of spite. They use their venom to immobilise prey that would be too difficult for them to consume otherwise. Yet, they have the second-largest number of human fatalities attributed to any animal. Only few venomous snakes can kill a human if left untreated. Since the development of anti-venom, the fatalities due to snake bites have reduced. But the problem of snake bites still persists, especially in developing countries where anti-venom is less easily available. Here are 6 venomous snakes in the world that are deadly enough to kill a human: Inland taipan According to the International Journal of Neuropharmacology, Inland Taipan is the most venomous snake in the world, as noted by Live Science. This means that only a tiny bit of this snake's venom is fatal enough to kill humans. As per BBC Wildlife, one bite contains enough lethality to kill atleast 100 adult humans. They are mostly found in Queensland, Centre East and South Australia in pre dug borrows of other animals. Due to its hiding nature, they barely come in contact with humans, thankfully. As per Live Science, the main ingredient of Inland Taipan's venom is hyaluronidase enzyme. This enzyme increases the speed at which toxins are absorbed in the victim's body. Coastal taipan Found mostly in the wet forests of temperate and tropical coastal regions, coastal taipan is a highly venomous snake. Parts Australia like Queensland, New South Wales is home to this subspecies. According to the Australian Museum, its incredible speed makes it difficult to be spared of its bites. As per Australian Geographic, before an effective anti venom was produced, its bite was always fatal. Black mamba Known for its black mouth, Black Mambas are highly aggressive species of snake. Found in sub Saharan Africa, they are the most feared of all. Like most snakes, even Mambas do not seek out humans but if they are threatened, they will attack. According to the BBC, if you are bitten by a black mamba, symptoms such as slurred speech and muscle twitches will follow in 10 minutes and likely death in half an hour. Russel's viper Russel Vipers' bite is the most painful of all. They are quite aggressive and one of the 'the Big Four' along with Indian Cobra, common krait and saw-scaled viper. As per the BBC, these snakes account for 43% of all snakebites in India. However, an anti venom has been developed against its venom saving many lives. Indian cobra Cobras are the world's longest venomous snake. (Source-Freepik) According to the Natural History Museum, King Cobra is the world's longest venomous snake in the world. Did you know if a cobra is threatened they can lift themselves off the ground about a third of their body length. They are one of the deadliest snakes and found in India. Their encounters with Humans are quite frequent in India especially in rural areas during monsoon season. Sean Carroll, a molecular biologist wrote in the New York Times that a single bite can kill a human in 15 minutes and an adult elephant in just a few hours. Saw-scaled viper Part of the Big Four, saw scaled vipers are found in the Middle East, South Asia and Central Asia. They are typically aggressive and can be identified by the 'sizzling' sound they make when threatened. As per BBC Wildlife, they are responsible for an estimated 5,000 human fatalities per year in India alone.
