Taipans: Some interesting facts
Taipans are some of the deadliest snakes. Britannica ranks the inland or western taipan as the most venomous snake in the world, with the coastal taipan coming in at the second position.
Coastal taipans are usually 6.5 feet in length. The largest such snake that was caught was a 2260mm-length male.
Coastal Taipans are the deadliest snakes one can find in Australia.
Studies have revealed that the snake can inject a large amount of venom in at least three bites in quick succession.
How and why are snakes milked for venom?
Venom from snakes are often used to produce medicines. Their venom is also studied to form a deeper understanding of the animals and cures that would be necessary in case someone is bitten by them.
"The process of milking a venomous snake requires keepers to secure the snake, sink its fangs into a large shot glass covered with plastic and get it to deliver its lethal bite," Collett told the publication regarding the process.
After this, the venom is freeze-dried and dispatched to vaccine manufacturers as per their requirements.
Published 20 July 2024, 16:52 IST