taipan

Taipan is the common name for two highly venomous snakes in the family Elapidae, native to Australia and New Guinea. They belong to the genus Oxyuranus: the coastal taipan (Oxyuranus scutellatus) and the inland taipan (Oxyuranus microlepidotus). They are among the most venomous snakes in the world.

Description and venom: Coastal and inland taipans are medium-sized, slender-bodied snakes with a narrow neck. Colouration varies by species and habitat: inland taipans are pale olive to brown; coastal taipans range from tan to dark brown. Adults typically reach 1.5–2.0 meters. Their venom contains potent neurotoxins, procoagulants, and myotoxins; inland taipan venom is among the most toxic of any snake. Bites can cause rapid paralysis, coagulopathy, and muscle breakdown; antivenom and prompt medical care dramatically reduce fatality risk.

Distribution and habitat: The coastal taipan occurs along northern and eastern Australia and in southern New Guinea, in forests, grasslands near water, and margins with abundant rodents. The inland taipan inhabits arid and semi-arid inland Australia, in open woodlands and scrub. Diet consists mainly of small mammals, birds, and occasionally lizards.

Behavior and reproduction: Taipans are generally shy and avoid humans, but will strike if cornered. They are diurnal and oviparous, laying eggs in warm months. Clutch size varies.

Conservation status: Not widely considered threatened; populations appear stable in many areas, though local data are limited.