Most Venomous Snakes in the World - 10 Deadliest Snakes
by Subhashree M | Updated Mar 14, 2023
Most Venomous Snakes in the World
venomous snake are a group of highly venomous snakes that are capable of causing severe injury or even death in humans. These snakes are found in various regions around the world, including Asia, Africa, Australia, and the Americas. They possess potent venom that can cause a range of symptoms, such as pain, swelling, tissue damage, and even paralysis and respiratory failure.
Despite their dangerous nature, these snakes play important roles in their ecosystems, controlling populations of rodents and other small mammals. However, human activities, such as habitat destruction and over-collection for the pet trade and traditional medicine, have threatened the survival of many species of snakes. As a result, conservation efforts are underway to protect these important species and their habitats.
A venomous snake is a type of snake that is capable of injecting venom into its prey or potential predators through specialized teeth or fangs. The venom is used for self-defense, hunting, and digestion. When a venomous snake bites a human, the venom can cause a range of symptoms, from pain and swelling to paralysis and even death.There are over 600 species of venomous snakes in the world, but not all of them are dangerous to humans. Some are relatively harmless, while others are extremely venomous and can kill a human in a matter of hours.The classification of the world's most venomous snake depends on how potent their venom is, which is usually measured in LD50 values. LD50 is the lethal dose of venom required to kill 50% of a test population (usually mice) in a laboratory setting. The lower the LD50 value, the more potent the venom.
Top 10 Most Venomous Snake in the World
Here is a list of the top 10 Venomous Snake in the world.
S. No
Snake Name
Scientific Name
Location
1
Inland Taipan
Oxyuranus microlepidotus
Australia
2
Coastal Taipan
Oxyuranus scutellatus
Australia
3
King Cobra
Ophiophagus hannah
India, south Asia
4
Banded Krait
Bungarus fasciatus
South Asia
5
Saw-scaled viper
Echis carinatus
Indian subcontinent
6
Eastern Tiger Snake
Notechis scutatus
Australia
7
Russell’s Viper
Daboia russelii
India, south east Asia
8
Fer-de-Lance
Bothrops asper
South America
9
Boomslang
Dispholidus typus
Sub-Saharan Africa
10
Black Mamba
Dendroaspis polylepis
Sub-Saharan and Southern Africa
Deadliest Snakes in the World
Inland Taipan
The Inland Taipan, is a highly venomous snake found in central Australia. Its venom is more potent than that of any other snake species. The Inland Taipan's venom is highly toxic, containing neurotoxins, hemotoxins, and myotoxins. The Inland Taipan is a protected species under Australian law, and its habitat is also protected.
Coastal Taipan
The Coastal Taipan, also known as the Eastern Taipan, is a highly venomous snake found along the coastal regions of northern and eastern Australia, as well as parts of Papua New Guinea. The Coastal Taipan is a large snake, with adults reaching lengths of up to 3 meters (10 feet). The Coastal Taipan's venom is highly toxic and can cause severe damage to a victim's nervous system, blood, and organs. Like the Inland Taipan, the Coastal Taipan is also protected under Australian law.
King Cobra
The King Cobra is one of the largest venomous snakes in the world, and is found primarily in Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent. It is also the longest venomous snake, with adults averaging between 3 and 4 meters (10 and 13 feet) in length. The King Cobra is easily identified by its distinctive hood, which it raises when threatened, and its brown or olive-colored skin. Its venom is highly potent and can cause respiratory failure, cardiac arrest, and death in humans. The King Cobra plays an important role in controlling rodent populations in its native habitat.
Banded Krait
The Banded Krait is a highly venomous snake found in Southeast Asia and parts of southern China. It is easily recognized by its distinctive black and white bands. The Banded Krait is a relatively large snake, with adults reaching lengths of up to 2 meters (6.5 feet). Its venom is highly toxic and contains neurotoxins, which can cause respiratory failure and death in humans.
Saw-scaled viper
The Saw-scaled viper is a highly venomous snake found in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. It is a relatively small snake, with adults averaging around 50 centimeters (20 inches) in length. The Saw-scaled viper is named for the sound it makes when threatened, rubbing its scales together to produce a loud, hissing noise. Its venom is highly toxic and can cause severe pain, swelling, and tissue damage, as well as respiratory failure and death in humans.
Eastern Tiger Snake
The Eastern Tiger Snake, also known as the Notechis scutatus, is a highly venomous snake found in southern Australia, including Tasmania. It is easily identified by its distinctive black and yellow bands, which run the length of its body. The Eastern Tiger Snake is a relatively large snake, with adults reaching lengths of up to 1.5 meters (5 feet). Its venom is highly toxic and can cause severe pain, swelling, and tissue damage, as well as respiratory failure and death in humans.
Russell’s Viper
Russell's Viper is a highly venomous snake found in South Asia and Southeast Asia, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. It is named after Scottish herpetologist Dr. Patrick Russell, who first described the species in the late 18th century. The Russell's Viper is a relatively large snake, with adults reaching lengths of up to 1.5 meters (5 feet). Its venom is highly toxic and can cause severe pain, swelling, and tissue damage, as well as respiratory failure and death in humans.
Fer-de-Lance
Fer-de-Lance is a common name for several highly venomous pit vipers found in Central and South America. These snakes are part of the Bothrops genus and are known for their aggressive behavior and powerful venom. They are large, heavy-bodied snakes, with adults reaching lengths of up to 2 meters (6.5 feet). Their venom contains a potent cocktail of toxins that can cause severe pain, swelling, tissue damage, and even death in humans.
Boomslang
The Boomslang is a highly venomous snake found in sub-Saharan Africa. It is a relatively large, arboreal snake, with adults reaching lengths of up to 1.8 meters (6 feet). Despite its venomous nature, the Boomslang is typically a shy and non-aggressive snake, and will usually only bite if threatened or cornered. Its venom is highly toxic and can cause hemorrhaging, which can lead to internal bleeding, organ damage, and death in humans.
Black Mamba
The Black Mamba is a highly venomous snake found in sub-Saharan Africa. It is one of the longest venomous snakes in the world, with adults reaching lengths of up to 4.5 meters (14.8 feet). The Black Mamba is known for its speed, aggression, and potent venom, which can cause respiratory failure and death in humans within a matter of hours if left untreated. It is responsible for a significant number of snakebite fatalities in its range.
What is the Most Poisonous Snake in the World?
The Inland Taipan, also known as the Western Taipan or the Small-scaled Snake, is considered the world's most venomous snake. It belongs to the family of elapids, which includes cobras, kraits, and sea snakes, and is native to central Australia. The scientific name for the Inland Taipan is Oxyuranus microlepidotus.
The Inland Taipan is a relatively small snake, with an average length of about 1.8 meters (6 feet) and it has a relatively small head compared to other venomous snakes. The scales on its back are usually a light brown or grey color, while its belly is a pale cream or yellow.The venom of the Inland Taipan is highly toxic and can cause severe damage to a victim's nervous system, blood, and organs. It is a complex mixture of neurotoxins, hemotoxins, and myotoxins, and can be fatal if left untreated. Fortunately, the snake is not particularly aggressive, and humans are rarely bitten.
Pit vipers, also known as pit adders, are a subfamily of venomous vipers found in both Eurasia and the Americas. They are characterized by the presence of a heat-sensing pit organ located between the eye and nostril on both sides of the head. This allows them to detect their prey's body heat, even in complete darkness. Pit vipers are venomous like all other vipers, and their venom can cause tissue damage and neurological effects in humans.There are 23 genera and 155 species of pit vipers recognized, including rattlesnakes, lanceheads, and Asian pit vipers. Crotalus is the type genus for this subfamily, and the timber rattlesnake is the type species. Pit vipers range in size from small species like the hump-nosed viper to larger ones like the bushmaster.
What is the no 1 Most Venomous Snake?
The Inland taipan (Oxyuranus microlepidotus) also known as the "fierce snake," is a highly venomous snake native to Australia. It is considered to be the most venomous snake in the world, with a venom that is estimated to be up to 50 times more toxic than that of the Indian cobra and 10 times more toxic than that of the common taipan possesses the most potent venom of any snake, with an LD50 value of 0.025 mg/kg SC in mice.
The Inland Taipan is a relatively small and slender snake, with adults typically measuring around 1.8 meters (5.9 feet) in length. Its scales are a light brown or grayish color, and it has a small, narrow head with large eyes and thin fangs. The snake is generally shy and reclusive, and encounters with humans are rare due to its remote habitat and low population density.The venom of the Inland Taipan is primarily neurotoxic, meaning it attacks the nervous system and can cause paralysis and respiratory failure. A single bite from this snake contains enough venom to kill several adult humans, making it an incredibly dangerous animal. However, antivenom is available and effective if administered promptly after a bite.Despite its lethality, the Inland Taipan is an important predator in its ecosystem, preying on small mammals and reptiles. The snake plays an important role in controlling the populations of these prey species, and helps to maintain a balance in the local food web.
Poisonous Snakes in India
India is home to a wide variety of snake species, including some that are highly venomous and can be dangerous to humans. Here are some of the most poisonous snakes found in India:
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Indian Cobra (Naja naja): The Indian cobra is a venomous snake found throughout India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan. Its venom contains neurotoxins that can cause respiratory failure and death. The Indian cobra is responsible for many snakebite deaths in India.
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Russell's Viper (Daboia russelii): Russell's viper is a venomous snake found throughout India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan. Its venom contains hemotoxins that can cause bleeding and tissue damage, as well as neurotoxins that can cause paralysis and death.
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Saw-scaled Viper (Echis carinatus): The saw-scaled viper is a venomous snake found throughout India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Its venom contains a mixture of hemotoxins and neurotoxins that can cause bleeding, tissue damage, and paralysis.
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Common Krait (Bungarus caeruleus): The common krait is a venomous snake found throughout India and Pakistan. Its venom contains neurotoxins that can cause respiratory failure and death. The common krait is responsible for many snakebite deaths in India.
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King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah): The king cobra is a venomous snake found in the forests of India, Southeast Asia, and the Philippines. Its venom contains neurotoxins that can cause respiratory failure and death. The king cobra is the world's longest venomous snake and can grow up to 18 feet long.
Most Venomous Snake in the World- FAQs
The deadliest snakes in the world include the Inland Taipan, Coastal Taipan, King Cobra, Banded Krait, Saw-scaled Viper, Eastern Tiger Snake, Russell's Viper, Fer-de-Lance, Boomslang, and Black Mamba.
The Inland Taipan, also known as the Fierce Snake, is considered the most venomous snake in the world.
Deadliest snakes possess some of the most potent venoms in the animal kingdom, capable of causing severe injury or even death in humans.
Deadliest snakes are dangerous to humans because their venom can cause a range of symptoms, such as pain, swelling, tissue damage, and even paralysis and respiratory failure.
Many species of deadliest snakes are threatened or endangered due to habitat loss, over-collection for the pet trade and traditional medicine, and other human activities.